特許（とっきょ、toっkyo）
- patent

The Japanese word 特許 特許 means "patent" in English. It refers to an exclusive right granted for an invention, which allows the patent holder to exclude others from making, using, or selling the invention for a limited period. The invention must be new, useful, and not obvious. A 特許 is granted by a government agency.

⚫︎新しい発明について、特許を取得しました。 Translation: I obtained a 特許 (patent) for my new invention. ⚫︎その会社は多くの特許を保有しています。 Translation: That company holds many 特許 (patents). ⚫︎特許侵害で訴えられました。 Translation: I was sued for patent infringement.

⚫︎You would use 特許 特許 in conversations related to inventions, intellectual property, and legal rights. ⚫︎It's common when discussing technological advancements, innovative products, or the protection of ideas. ⚫︎You can use it when talking about applying for a 特許, the process of getting one, or defending your 特許 rights.

⚫︎The word is typically written with the kanji 特許. ⚫︎The reading is とっきょ in hiragana. ⚫︎There is no variation in okurigana.

There are no direct synonyms for 特許 itself, as it's a specific legal term. However, related terms could include: ⚫︎発明（はつめい） - invention ⚫︎著作権（ちょさくけん） - copyright ⚫︎知的財産（ちてきざいさん） - intellectual property

There are no direct antonyms for 特許, as the word itself describes a right. However, concepts that are the opposite of protecting an invention with a 特許 would be things like: ⚫︎Public domain: When an invention is no longer protected, or was never protected, by 特許 and anyone can use it.

彼はその新しい技術の特許を申請しました。 ・Translation: He applied for a 特許 for that new technology. ・Explanation: This sentence explains the action of applying for a 特許.

その製品は多くの特許に守られています。 ・Translation: That product is protected by many 特許. ・Explanation: This sentence describes that a product has been protected by patents.

The word 特許 is a compound word: ⚫︎特（とく） means "special" or "unique." ⚫︎許（きょ） means "permission" or "to permit." Therefore, 特許 literally means "special permission," reflecting the exclusive right granted by the government for an invention.