The Kanji ‘出’ (シュツ): Origins, Meaning, and Usage

Japanese Kanji

The beauty of the Japanese language is greatly shaped by its complex and rich writing system. Kanji characters are a central element of this system and are deeply rooted in the daily life and culture of the Japanese people. This time, we spotlight one of the commonly used kanji characters, “出(しゅつ, shutsu),” and delve into its origin and modern usage. Through this single kanji character, let’s rediscover its charm while appreciating the history and culture behind the words.

出の成り立ち(語源)

The kanji “出(しゅつ, shutsu)” originated as a pictograph in ancient China. This character originally depicted the act of stepping out, symbolizing the movement from inside to outside. Its origins can be traced back to ancient oracle bone script, combining the shapes of a foot and a mountain, which represent the source of “出(しゅつ, shutsu).” Over time, its form became more abstract, settling into its current shape, though its fundamental meaning has remained unchanged.

出の意味と用法

The kanji “出(しゅつ, shutsu)” means “to move out,” “to appear,” or “to occur.” It is often used to indicate actions or changes in state and is also used to signify moving away from a place or situation. This kanji is highly versatile, used in various contexts as a verb, noun, and prefix, showcasing its broad utility in the Japanese language.

出の読み方・画数・部首

The kanji “出(しゅつ, shutsu)” reflects the richness of Japanese readings despite its simplicity.

  • 読み方: 音読みでは「シュツ(しゅつ, shutsu)」、訓読みでは「でる(deru)」「だす(dasu)」
  • 画数: 全5画
  • 部首: 凵(うけばこ, ukebako)

出を使った熟語・慣用句・ことわざとその意味

There are many idioms and proverbs that include the kanji “出(しゅつ, shutsu),” each reflecting the richness of Japanese expression. For example, “出世(しゅっせ, shusse)” means to rise in social status; “出血大サービス(しゅっけつだいサービス, shukketsu dai saabisu)” means to serve others even at one’s own expense; and the proverb “出る杭は打たれる(でるくいはうたれる, deru kui wa utareru)” means those who stand out will attract jealousy and opposition. These expressions show how the basic meaning of “moving outward” in the kanji “出(しゅつ, shutsu)” is developed in various forms.

出についてのまとめ

The kanji “出(しゅつ, shutsu)” holds diverse meanings and uses in Japanese, far beyond what its simple form suggests. Tracing its evolution from its origin to the present day reveals the historical and cultural weight of words. Understanding that each word we use daily has been refined over time to reach us today helps us appreciate the profound depth of kanji characters.

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