The Kanji ‘循’ (ジュン): Origins, Meaning, and Usage

Japanese Kanji

The common kanji “循(じゅん, jun)” plays a vital role in the rich expressions of the Japanese language. This single character encapsulates concepts frequently encountered in daily life. In this article, we explore the charm of “循(じゅん, jun)” from its origins and meanings to its usage and related idioms and expressions. By unraveling the history embedded in each kanji, we examine the role of “循(じゅん, jun)” in modern Japanese.

循の成り立ち(語源)

The kanji “循(じゅん, jun)” has its roots in ancient China, where it was used to signify the act of following a specific path or orbit. This character is composed of “巡(じゅん, jun)” which means to circle, and “彳(ぎょうにんべん, gyouninben)” which indicates action. Originally, it depicted the footsteps of a person walking a path. The essence of “循(じゅん, jun)” lies in the idea of continuously following a set path, from which various metaphorical meanings have been derived.

循の意味と用法

The kanji “循(じゅん, jun)” represents the concept of things following a certain order or rule, as seen in terms like “循環(じゅんかん, junkan)” (circulation) and “循序(じゅんじょ, junjo)” (order). In Japanese, “循(じゅん, jun)” is used to describe the orderly progression of things or actions carried out methodically. For example, “循環する水の流れ(じゅんかんするみずのながれ, junkan suru mizu no nagare)” (circulating water flow) and “循環型社会(じゅんかんがたしゃかい, junkan-gata shakai)” (circular society) show the importance of this kanji in environmental contexts.

循の読み方・画数・部首

Let’s delve into how the kanji “循(じゅん, jun)” is expressed and structured in Japanese.

  • 読み方: 音読みでは「ジュン(jun)」、訓読みは特にありません。
  • 画数: 「循(じゅん, jun)」は総画数12画です。
  • 部首: 「彳(ぎょうにんべん, gyouninben)」が部首です。

循を使った熟語・慣用句・ことわざとその意味

Idioms and expressions containing “循(じゅん, jun)” demonstrate the breadth of its meanings. Here are a few examples:

  • 循環(じゅんかん, junkan): The act of something following a set course repeatedly.
  • 循環器(じゅんかんき, junkanki): The organs involved in circulating blood and lymph within the body.
  • 循環論法(じゅんかんろんぽう, junkanronpou): A logical fallacy where the conclusion is assumed in one of the premises.
  • 循環バス(じゅんかんバス, junkan basu): A bus that runs on a predetermined looped route periodically.
  • 循序漸進(じゅんじょぜんしん, junjo zenshin): The process of progressing gradually in a systematic order.

循についてのまとめ

The kanji “循(じゅん, jun)” symbolizes the importance of order and rules, ensuring smooth progress of actions. Expressions using “循(じゅん, jun)” are prevalent in various aspects of society, deeply ingrained in our daily lives. Understanding the meaning embedded in this character allows us to appreciate the richness of Japanese expressions and the power of kanji.

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