立候補（りっこうほ、riっkouho）
- candidacy

The Japanese word 立候補 (りっこうほ, *rikkouho*) means "to announce one's candidacy," "to run for office," or "to stand for election." It implies a formal declaration of intent to be a candidate for a position, typically a political one, but can also apply to other roles where a selection process exists. It signifies a willingness to compete for a position. It is important to note that the word includes 立候補 themselves.

⚫︎ 山田さんは市長選に立候補した。 Translation: Mr. Yamada ran for mayor. ⚫︎ 彼女は生徒会長に立候補するつもりだ。 Translation: She intends to run for student council president. ⚫︎ 彼は次回の国会議員選挙に立候補を表明した。 Translation: He announced his candidacy for the next general election.

This word is used when someone formally declares their intention to become a candidate for a position, such as in politics, school elections, or other competitive selection processes. It is generally used in more formal contexts. It is important to use 立候補 in the correct form, so that it is grammatically correct.

⚫︎ The word is typically written in kanji as 立候補. ⚫︎ The reading is りっこうほ in hiragana. ⚫︎ There is no variation in the okurigana (the suffix hiragana).

⚫︎ 出馬(しゅつば, *shussuba*) - "to run for office" (often used in a similar context) ⚫︎ 出馬表明(しゅつばひょうめい, *shutsubahyoumei*) - "announcement of candidacy" ⚫︎ 立志(りっし, *risshi*): "aspiration" (less commonly used as a synonym, but can imply a personal intention that can lead to 立候補)

⚫︎ There isn't a direct antonym for 立候補, because the word implies a proactive action. The closest would be to not participate. Some examples: ⚫︎ 不出馬(ふしゅつば, *fushutsuba*) - "not to run for office" (implies not entering the election) ⚫︎ 辞退(じたい, *jitai*) - "to decline," "to withdraw" (from candidacy)

田中さんは来年の知事選に立候補する意向を示した。 ・Translation: Mr. Tanaka indicated his intention to run for governor next year. ・Explanation: This sentence shows someone expressing their desire to run for election.

多くの人が、あの政治家の立候補を支持している。 ・Translation: Many people are supporting that politician's candidacy. ・Explanation: This example demonstrates people supporting a 立候補.

⚫︎ 立(りつ, *ritsu*) means "to stand," "to rise," or "to establish." ⚫︎ 候補(こうほ, *kouho*) means "candidate" or "nominee." ⚫︎ The combined meaning of 立候補 is "to stand as a candidate" or "to declare one's candidacy."