1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “卸” (oroshi) primarily means “to卸” or “to distribute.” It is often used in the context of wholesale distribution, where goods are sold in large quantities to retailers rather than directly to consumers.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “卸” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It is formed from the characters for “to remove” and “to divide,” reflecting the idea of breaking down goods for distribution.
Radical: The radical for “卸” is “卸” itself, which relates to the concept of distribution and division.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used terms that include “卸” are “卸売” (oroshiuri – wholesale) and “卸業者” (oroshigyousha – wholesaler).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「この商品は卸売価格で購入できます。」(Kono shouhin wa oroshiuri kakaku de kounyuu dekimasu.) – “This product can be purchased at wholesale price.”
- 「彼は卸業者として働いています。」(Kare wa oroshigyousha to shite hataraiteimasu.) – “He works as a wholesaler.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “販売” (hanbai), which means “to sell.” While “卸” focuses on the distribution aspect, “販売” emphasizes the act of selling to consumers.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “小売” (kouri), which means “retail.” This term refers to selling goods directly to consumers, contrasting with the wholesale nature of “卸.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “卸” is significant in Japanese commerce, reflecting the traditional practices of distribution in markets and trade.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant saying is “卸売りの商人” (oroshiuri no shounin), which refers to a merchant who specializes in wholesale, highlighting the importance of this role in the economy.