Behind the rich expressiveness of the Japanese language lies kanji. Each kanji character has its own history and meaning, forming the foundation of words. This time, we focus on “集(しゅう, shuu)”, one of the commonly used kanji in daily life, and delve into its profound world. This article will explore the origins, meanings, usage, readings, and idioms involving “集(しゅう, shuu)”.
Origin of 集(しゅう, shuu) (Etymology)
The kanji “集(しゅう, shuu)” is a pictographic character depicting birds gathering in a tree. In ancient China, the image of many birds gathering and resting in a tree evolved into a character representing people gathering. Thus, “集(しゅう, shuu)” came to symbolize gathering or collection.
Meaning and Usage of 集(しゅう, shuu)
The primary meanings of “集(しゅう, shuu)” are “to gather” and “to collect”. It refers to people or things coming together in one place or the act of bringing scattered items together. It is often used as both a verb and a noun, appearing in words like “集中(しゅうちゅう, shuuchuu)” (concentration) and “集計(しゅうけい, shuukei)” (totaling).
Readings, Stroke Count, and Radical of 集(しゅう, shuu)
“集(しゅう, shuu)” has various readings in Japanese, depending on the context.
- Readings: The on’yomi (音読み) reading is “シュウ(しゅう, shuu)”, and the kun’yomi (訓読み) readings include “あつまる(atsumaru)”, “あつめる(atsumeru)”, and “つどう(tsudou)”.
- Stroke count: The kanji “集(しゅう, shuu)” has 12 strokes.
- Radical: The radical is “隹(ふるとり, furutori)”.
Idioms, Phrases, and Proverbs Using 集(しゅう, shuu)
The kanji “集(しゅう, shuu)” is featured in many idioms and phrases, showcasing the richness of Japanese expression. Here are some examples:
- 集中(しゅうちゅう, shuuchuu): To concentrate or focus attention.
- 集計(しゅうけい, shuukei): To tally or sum up numbers or data.
- 集団(しゅうだん, shuudan): A group or mass of people or things.
- 収集(しゅうしゅう, shuushuu): To collect scattered items.
- 人集め(ひとあつめ, hitoatsume): Gathering people or such a gathering.
These idioms and phrases are used in a wide range of contexts, from business to everyday conversation.
Conclusion on 集(しゅう, shuu)
The kanji “集(しゅう, shuu)” symbolizes the gathering of people or things, as its form suggests. This single character encompasses various meanings such as collection, concentration, and tallying, playing an essential role in Japanese communication. Additionally, idioms and phrases involving “集(しゅう, shuu)” add depth and color to our language. Understanding the history and culture behind words is crucial to appreciating the true value of a language. By learning the meanings embedded in each kanji character, we can deepen our understanding of Japanese and enhance our expression.
