The Kanji ‘汁’ (ジュウ): Origins, Meaning, and Usage

Japanese Kanji

Kanji are indispensable in Japanese literature. Among them, the character “汁(しる, shiru)” is deeply rooted in our daily lives. This article explores the kanji “汁(しる, shiru)” from its origins to its meanings, uses, readings, stroke count, radicals, and related idioms and proverbs. Let’s dive into the world of “汁(しる, shiru)”, which highlights the richness of the Japanese language beyond the culinary realm.

汁(しる, shiru)の成り立ち(語源)

The character “汁(しる, shiru)” is composed of the radical “氵” (さんずい, sanzui), meaning water, and “十” (じゅう, juu), which acts as a phonetic component. This kanji originally referred to liquids, especially soups and broths. In ancient China, it was used to denote flowing substances, and it was introduced to Japan during the Nara period. Over time, “汁(しる, shiru)” has acquired various meanings within the unique context of Japanese culture and language.

汁(しる, shiru)の意味と用法

“汁(しる, shiru)” generally refers to liquids, particularly the liquid parts of food, such as soups and broths, as well as dashi (だし, Japanese stock). Additionally, it can metaphorically describe human bodily fluids or energy. For instance, phrases like “元気が出る汁(げんきがでるしる, genki ga deru shiru)” (energy-boosting juice) or colloquially “やる気の汁が出ない(やるきのしるがでない, yaruki no shiru ga denai)” (lacking motivation) are used.

汁(しる, shiru)の読み方・画数・部首

The kanji “汁(しる, shiru)” is frequently used in Japanese and is easy to remember due to its simplicity.

  • 読み方: 音読みでは「ジュウ(じゅう, juu)」、訓読みでは「しる(shiru)」と読みます。
  • 画数: 全部で7画です。
  • 部首: 部首は「さんずい(sanzui)」で、水に関連する漢字に分類されます。

汁(しる, shiru)を使った熟語・慣用句・ことわざとその意味

Idioms and proverbs containing “汁(しる, shiru)” reflect Japanese life and values. Here are some examples:

  • 「味噌汁(みそしる, miso shiru)」 – A representative Japanese soup, essential to the Japanese dining table.
  • 「汁粉(しるこ, shiruko)」 – A sweet azuki bean soup with mochi, commonly eaten in the colder seasons.
  • 「汁の一滴も残さない(しるのいってきものこさない, shiru no itteki mo nokosanai)」 – An idiom meaning to do something thoroughly.
  • 「汁も物も言わぬ(しるもものもいわぬ, shiru mo mono mo iwanu)」 – An expression describing someone who remains silent and expressionless.

汁(しる, shiru)についてのまとめ

The kanji “汁(しる, shiru)” is not just a character representing liquids but is deeply ingrained in Japanese food culture and language. From daily meals to idioms and proverbs, “汁(しる, shiru)” is used in various contexts in our lives. Each kanji character carries its own history and culture, and understanding these characters connects us to the broader cultural context. While we have explored the world of “汁(しる, shiru)” today, remember that every kanji holds a similarly profound meaning.

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