1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “株” (kabu) primarily means “stock” or “share” in the context of finance. It represents ownership in a company and is a fundamental concept in investing and the stock market.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “株” is composed of two parts: the left side “木” (tree) and the right side “亘” (to extend). The “木” radical suggests a connection to growth and nature, while “亘” relates to the idea of extending or reaching out. This combination reflects the concept of shares growing in value over time.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “株” are:
- 株式 (kabusiki) – stock shares
- 株価 (kabuka) – stock price
- 株主 (kabunushi) – shareholder
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「最近、株が上がってきている。」 (Saikin, kabu ga agatte kite iru.) – “Recently, the stocks have been rising.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 証券 (shouken) – securities, which refers to financial instruments that represent ownership.
- 資産 (shisan) – assets, which encompasses a broader range of valuable items owned.
Antonyms include:
- 損失 (sonshitsu) – loss, which indicates a decrease in value or negative financial outcome.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “株” is deeply intertwined with Japanese culture, particularly in the context of economic growth and investment. The stock market plays a significant role in Japan’s economy, and understanding “株” is essential for anyone interested in finance.
Proverbs and idioms related to “株” include:
- 「株は買うより売る方が難しい。」 (Kabu wa kau yori uru hou ga muzukashii.) – “It’s harder to sell stocks than to buy them,” highlighting the challenges of trading.