1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “属” (zoku) generally means “to belong to” or “to be affiliated with.” It is often used to indicate membership or association with a group or category.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “属” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “to follow” (to the left) and a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “属” is “to follow” (従), which conveys the idea of belonging or being part of something.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “属” are:
- 所属 (shozoku) – affiliation
- 族 (zoku) – clan or family
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はその団体に所属しています。 (Kare wa sono dantai ni shozoku shiteimasu.) – He belongs to that organization.
- 私の家族は大きな族です。 (Watashi no kazoku wa ookina zoku desu.) – My family is a large clan.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “連” (ren), which means “to connect” or “to link.” While both kanji imply a sense of belonging, “属” emphasizes membership, whereas “連” focuses on connection.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “離” (ri), which means “to separate” or “to detach,” indicating the opposite of belonging or affiliation.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of belonging is significant in Japanese culture, where group harmony and affiliation are highly valued. The kanji “属” reflects this cultural emphasis on community and relationships.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “出る釘は打たれる” (Deru kugi wa utareru), which translates to “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down,” highlighting the importance of conformity and belonging within a group.