“住(すむ, jū)”—a single character deeply rooted in our daily lives. It is not just a character but a mirror reflecting people’s lives, culture, and mindset. This article delves into the world of the commonly used kanji “住(すむ, jū)”, exploring its origins, meanings, usage, readings, stroke count, and radical, as well as idioms and proverbs involving “住(すむ, jū)” that are closely related to our lives.
住(すむ, jū)の成り立ち(語源)
The kanji “住(すむ, jū)” symbolically represents people settling in a home in ancient China. The upper part, “亼(じゅう, jū)”, means “to gather,” and when combined with the lower part “人(ひと, hito)” meaning “person,” it represents a place where people gather to live, i.e., a home. Over time, its shape evolved into the current form “住(すむ, jū)”.
住(すむ, jū)の意味と用法
The primary meaning of “住(すむ, jū)” is “to live” or “to reside,” indicating the act of staying and living in a certain place. Figuratively, it can also express emotions or impressions that strongly remain in one’s heart. For example, “心に住む(こころにすむ, kokoro ni sumu)” means that unforgettable memories or emotions linger in the heart.
住(すむ, jū)の読み方・画数・部首
While “住(すむ, jū)” is a basic kanji in Japanese, let’s take a closer look at its specifics.
- 読み方: 音読みでは「ジュウ(じゅう, jū)」、訓読みでは「す.む(すむ, sumu)」「す.まう(すまう, sumau)」と読みます。
- 画数: 「住(すむ, jū)」は全部で7画です。
- 部首: 部首は、「亻(にんべん, ninben)」です。
住(すむ, jū)を使った熟語・慣用句・ことわざとその意味
Idioms, phrases, and proverbs that include “住(すむ, jū)” reflect Japanese life and philosophy. Here are some examples:
- 住所(じゅうしょ, jūsho): The place where someone lives, specifically indicating the location of a residence.
- 住職(じゅうしょく, jūshoku): A monk residing in a temple, often the head monk or abbot.
- 定住(ていじゅう, teijū): Settling down to live in a specific place.
- 共同住宅(きょうどうじゅうたく, kyōdō jūtaku): A type of housing where multiple families live in one building.
- 住めば都(すめばみやこ, sumeba miyako): A proverb meaning that any place, no matter how inconvenient, becomes dear once you live there long enough.
住(すむ, jū)についてのまとめ
The kanji “住(すむ, jū)” holds various meanings related to our living spaces and psychological states. Its simple yet profound meaning highlights the importance of residence in Japanese life. As seen in various idioms, phrases, and proverbs, “住(すむ, jū)” has played a significant role in Japanese culture and values. We hope this article provides insight into the rich expressions of “住(すむ, jū)” and the underlying thoughts and emotions of the Japanese people.
