1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “殖” (shoku) primarily means “to multiply” or “to increase.” It is often used in contexts related to growth, reproduction, and expansion.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “殖” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “insect” (虫) and the character “食” (shoku), which means “to eat.” This combination suggests the idea of growth and multiplication, as insects often reproduce rapidly.
Radical: The radical of “殖” is 虫 (mushi), which relates to insects and living organisms.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “殖” are:
- 殖民地 (shokuminchi) – colony
- 殖産 (shokusan) – increase in production
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この植物はすぐに殖えます。 (Kono shokubutsu wa sugu ni uemasu.) – This plant multiplies quickly.
- 彼はビジネスを殖やす方法を知っています。 (Kare wa bijinesu o huyasu hōhō o shitteimasu.) – He knows how to grow his business.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is 増 (zō), which also means “to increase.” However, “増” is often used in contexts of quantity or number, while “殖” emphasizes growth and reproduction.
Antonyms: The antonym of “殖” is 減 (gen), which means “to decrease” or “to reduce.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “殖” is significant in Japanese culture, particularly in agriculture and nature, where growth and reproduction are essential for sustainability.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “一石二鳥” (isseki nichō), which means “killing two birds with one stone,” reflecting the idea of achieving multiple benefits or growth from a single action, akin to the concept of multiplication.