1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “社” (sha) primarily means “company” or “society.” It refers to an organization or a group of people working together for a common purpose, often in a business context.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “社” is a compound character that combines elements of both pictographs and ideographs. It originally depicted a place where people gather, reflecting the concept of community and organization.
Radical: The radical for “社” is “示” (shimesu), which relates to showing or indicating, often associated with religious or ceremonial contexts.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “社” are:
- 会社 (kaisha) – company
- 社会 (shakai) – society
- 社長 (shachou) – company president
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私は新しい会社で働いています。 (Watashi wa atarashii kaisha de hataraiteimasu.) – I am working at a new company.
- この社会には多くの問題があります。 (Kono shakai ni wa ooku no mondai ga arimasu.) – There are many problems in this society.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “団” (dan), which means “group” or “association.” While both refer to a collection of people, “社” emphasizes a formal organization, whereas “団” can refer to any group.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym for “社” could be “孤” (ko), meaning “alone” or “isolated,” highlighting the contrast between community and solitude.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “社” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where community and collective effort are highly valued. Many traditional festivals and rituals are organized by local societies.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “社交辞令” (shakou jirei), which refers to polite conversation or social niceties, emphasizing the importance of social interactions in Japanese society.