The changing of seasons marks a rhythm deeply rooted in our lives. The time when ingredients are at their peak, the moment fashion updates with new trends, and the transformation of nature’s rich expressions—all these are encapsulated in the word “旬(しゅん, shun)”. In this article, we focus on the commonly used kanji “旬(しゅん, shun)” in Japan, delving into its origins and contemporary usage.
旬の成り立ち（語源）
The origin of “旬(しゅん, shun)” dates back to ancient China. In the traditional lunisolar calendar, a year was divided into 12 months, each further split into three periods: early, middle, and late. “旬(しゅん, shun)” originally represented a unit of time and came to mean a regular cycle. Over time, its meaning broadened to refer to things at their peak during a specific period.
旬の意味と用法
In modern Japanese, “旬(しゅん, shun)” is used to describe the period when ingredients are at their most delicious or when a topic is most popular. It can also refer to the prime of one’s life or the peak of something. Thus, “旬(しゅん, shun)” is a useful expression for capturing the best moments within the flow of time.
旬の読み方・画数・部首
The kanji “旬(しゅん, shun)” symbolizes the seasonal cycles in Japanese culture through both its form and meaning.
- 読み方: 音読みでは「シュン(しゅん, shun)」、訓読みでは特になし
- 画数: 全6画
- 部首: 旡（きざしるし, kizashirushi）
旬を使った熟語・慣用句・ことわざとその意味
There are many idioms and phrases in Japanese that include “旬(しゅん, shun)”. For example, “旬を逃す(しゅんをのがす, shun wo nogasu)” means to miss the best timing, and “旬菜(しゅんさい, shunsai)” refers to vegetables that are most delicious in that season. Additionally, “旬の話題(しゅんのわだい, shun no wadai)” denotes topics that are currently attracting the most attention. These expressions highlight the importance of the concept of “旬(しゅん, shun)” in daily life.
旬についてのまとめ
The kanji “旬(しゅん, shun)” encompasses the rhythms of nature and culture that change with time. Indicating the period when ingredients provide their best flavors or when trends are reborn, this word plays a significant role in our lives. Teaching the importance of taking the right actions at the right time, “旬(しゅん, shun)” is one of the kanji that showcases the richness of expression in the Japanese language.
