The power of a single character can sometimes shape history and culture. The Japanese 常用漢字(Jouyou Kanji) “票(ひょう, hyou)” has a profound history and is deeply rooted in our daily lives, being used in various meanings and applications. In this article, we will explore how the character “票(ひょう, hyou)” was created, its meanings, and how it is used in everyday life.
Origin of 票(ひょう, hyou)
The character “票(ひょう, hyou)” originally meant a tag or a token indicating goods, and its etymology is considered to be the same as “標(ひょう, hyou)”. During the formation of Kanji, the “示(しめす, shimesu)” part, which means “to show,” combined with “票(ひょう, hyou)” indicating the sound, resulting in the current form. In ancient China, “票(ひょう, hyou)” was used for identifying and counting goods, and later came to mean documents and tickets.
Meanings and Uses of 票(ひょう, hyou)
In modern Japan, “票(ひょう, hyou)” is used in various contexts, such as election ballots, transportation tickets, and invoices. Specifically, it is used in terms like “投票(とうひょう, touhyou)” meaning voting in elections, “評価票(ひょうかひょう, hyoukahyou)” meaning evaluation ballots, and tickets such as “入場券(にゅうじょうけん, nyuujouken)” and “乗車券(じょうしゃけん, joushaken)”.
Reading, Stroke Count, and Radical of 票(ひょう, hyou)
The character “票(ひょう, hyou)” is widely recognized as a 常用漢字(Jouyou Kanji) in Japan. Here are its basic details:
- Reading: The On-reading is “ヒョウ(hyou)”, and there is no Kun-reading.
- Stroke Count: It has a total of 11 strokes.
- Radical: The radical is “示(しめすへん, shimesuhen)”.
Idioms, Phrases, and Proverbs Using 票(ひょう, hyou)
Here are some idioms and phrases that include “票(ひょう, hyou)”:
- “投票(とうひょう, touhyou)” – The act of casting a vote in an election.
- “得票(とくひょう, tokuhyou)” – The number of votes received in an election.
- “白票(はくひょう, hakuhyou)” – A blank vote submitted without voting for any candidate.
- “領票(りょうひょう, ryouhyou)” – The act of receiving a ticket or a coupon.
- “伝票(でんぴょう, denpyou)” – A document recording transaction details.
These idioms and phrases are closely connected to our lives, from business to daily conversations.
Summary of 票(ひょう, hyou)
The character “票(ひょう, hyou)” has evolved over a long history to its current form. It is an important Kanji connected to many aspects of our lives, from voting in elections to transportation tickets and business invoices. This single character reflects not just numbers or records but also a part of people’s will and culture.
