1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “周” (shuu) primarily means “surround” or “circumference.” It conveys the idea of encircling or going around something, and it is often used in contexts related to areas, circles, or cycles.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “周” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the character “周” which represents the concept of surrounding or encircling.
Radical: The radical for “周” is “囗” (the enclosing radical), which indicates something that surrounds or encircles.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “周” are:
- 周囲 (しゅうい, shui) – surroundings
- 周期 (しゅうき, shuuki) – cycle or period
- 周波数 (しゅうはすう, shuuhasuu) – frequency
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この公園の周囲にはたくさんの木があります。
(There are many trees around this park.) - この現象は約一周期で繰り返されます。
(This phenomenon repeats approximately every cycle.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “囲” (い, i), which also means “to surround” but emphasizes the act of enclosing something rather than the concept of a surrounding area.
Antonyms: An antonym for “周” could be “内” (うち, uchi), which means “inside” or “within,” indicating the opposite of surrounding or encircling.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “周” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in relation to nature and the environment. It reflects the importance of harmony and balance in surroundings.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “周りを見て行動する” (まわりをみてこうどうする, mawari o mite koudou suru), which means “to act while considering one’s surroundings,” emphasizing awareness and mindfulness in actions.