1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “倉” (kurā) means “warehouse” or “storehouse.” It refers to a place where goods are stored, often used in the context of storage facilities or buildings for keeping items safe and organized.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “倉” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “亻” (person) and “倉” (which relates to storage), suggesting a place associated with people and storage.
Radical: The radical for “倉” is “亻,” which indicates that the character is related to human activities or actions.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “倉” are:
- 倉庫 (sōko) – warehouse
- 倉入れ (kurai-re) – storage
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この商品は倉庫に保管されています。
(Kono shōhin wa sōko ni hokan sareteimasu.)
This product is stored in the warehouse. - 新しい倉を建てる予定です。
(Atarashii kura o tateru yotei desu.)
We plan to build a new storehouse.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “庫” (ko), which also means “storehouse” but is often used in a more general sense, such as in “冷蔵庫” (reizōko – refrigerator).
Antonyms: An antonym could be “放棄” (hōki), meaning “abandonment,” as it represents the opposite of storing or keeping items safe.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, warehouses have historically been important for storing rice and other essential goods, reflecting the agrarian roots of society.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “倉の中の米” (kura no naka no kome), which means “rice in the storehouse,” symbolizing abundance and security.