1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “校” (kō) primarily means “school” or “to examine.” It is commonly associated with educational institutions and the act of reviewing or checking something.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “校” is a compound character that combines two elements: the radical 木 (tree) and the character こう (to examine). The tree symbolizes growth and learning, while the examining part emphasizes the process of education.
The radical 木 indicates that the character is related to nature or things made from wood, which can be metaphorically linked to the growth of knowledge.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “校” are:
- 学校 (gakkō) – school
- 校長 (kōchō) – principal
- 校舎 (kōsha) – school building
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「私は毎日学校に行きます。」(Watashi wa mainichi gakkō ni ikimasu.) – “I go to school every day.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 学 (gaku) – learning or study, which emphasizes the process of acquiring knowledge.
- 教育 (kyōiku) – education, which refers to the broader concept of teaching and learning.
Antonyms include:
- 無知 (muchi) – ignorance, which represents a lack of knowledge or education.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “校” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of education in society. Schools are seen as places for personal and intellectual growth.
Proverbs and idioms related to education include:
- 学びて時に之を習う (manabite toki ni kore o narau) – “To learn and practice at the right time,” emphasizing the importance of timely education.