1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “桑” (sō) means “mulberry,” which is a type of tree known for its fruit and leaves, particularly the leaves that are used to feed silkworms in silk production.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “桑” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which combines a semantic component that suggests its meaning and a phonetic component that indicates its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “桑” is “木” (tree), which is often associated with plants and trees in kanji.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “桑” are “桑の実” (sō no mi – mulberry fruit) and “桑畑” (sōbata – mulberry field).
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation: “私の家の近くには桑の木があります。” (Watashi no ie no chikaku ni wa sō no ki ga arimasu – There is a mulberry tree near my house.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “果” (ka), which means “fruit.” While both relate to plants, “果” specifically refers to the fruit itself, whereas “桑” refers to the tree that produces the fruit.
Antonym: There isn’t a direct antonym for “桑,” but one could consider “草” (kusa – grass) as a contrasting term, as it refers to a different type of plant.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The mulberry tree has historical significance in Japan, particularly in the silk industry, as it is the primary food source for silkworms.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “桑の実を食べる” (sō no mi o taberu – to eat mulberries), which can symbolize enjoying the fruits of one’s labor or the rewards of hard work.