Japan’s written culture is known for its depth and complexity, and the common use kanji reflect this richness and historical diversity. Our focus this time is on the frequently seen yet often underexplored kanji “宿(しゅく, shuku).” This article delves into the world of “宿(しゅく, shuku),” exploring its origins, meanings, usage, readings, and related idiomatic expressions and proverbs to uncover the profound world contained within this single character.
宿(しゅく, shuku)の成り立ち(語源)
The kanji “宿(しゅく, shuku)” was created in ancient China and its form depicts a person resting under a roof. Initially, it was used as a pictograph to signify a place to spend the night. Over time, this character evolved beyond the act of staying overnight to include broader concepts such as accommodations and destiny.
宿(しゅく, shuku)の意味と用法
The primary meaning of “宿(しゅく, shuku)” is a place where travelers temporarily stay, namely an accommodation. Additionally, it is used to mean “to bear” or “to carry on,” as seen in words like “宿題(しゅくだい, shukudai)” (homework) or “宿命(しゅくめい, shukumei)” (destiny). In astronomy, it is also used to refer to a group of stars that form a constellation.
宿(しゅく, shuku)の読み方・画数・部首
Let’s take a closer look at the readings, stroke count, and radical of the kanji “宿(しゅく, shuku).”
- 読み方: 音読みでは「シュク(しゅく, shuku)」、訓読みでは「やど(やど, yado)」、「やど.る(やどる, yadoru)」、「やど.す(やどす, yadosu)」と読みます。
- 画数: 「宿(しゅく, shuku)」は11画で構成されています。
- 部首: 「宿(しゅく, shuku)」の部首は「宀(うかんむり, ukanmuri)」です。
宿(しゅく, shuku)を使った熟語・慣用句・ことわざとその意味
There are many idiomatic expressions and proverbs that include “宿(しゅく, shuku)” in the Japanese language. Let’s explore some of them and their meanings.
- 宿題（しゅくだい, shukudai）: Homework, assignments brought home from school to be completed.
- 宿泊（しゅくはく, shukuhaku）: Temporarily staying overnight, such as during travel.
- 宿命（しゅくめい, shukumei）: Destiny, a fate that one is born with.
- 宿直（しゅくちょく, shukuchoku）: Staying overnight at one’s workplace to be on duty.
- 一宿一飯（いっしゅくいっぱん, isshukuippan）: A term expressing hospitality or kindness received, literally meaning “one night’s lodging and one meal.”
宿(しゅく, shuku)についてのまとめ
The kanji “宿(しゅく, shuku)” symbolizes a place where people rest or the act of staying overnight, as its form suggests. However, it also carries various meanings within daily life and culture, enabling rich expressions. Words like “宿題(しゅくだい, shukudai)” (homework), “宿泊(しゅくはく, shukuhaku)” (accommodation), and “宿命(しゅくめい, shukumei)” (destiny) are deeply embedded in our daily lives, highlighting the significant role this single character plays in the Japanese language.
