1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “叔” (shuku) primarily means “uncle” or “younger brother of one’s parent.” It is used to refer to a male relative who is the brother of one’s father or mother, specifically the younger brother.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “叔” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines a semantic component with a phonetic component. The left part, “亻” (the radical for person), indicates that it relates to a person, while the right part “叔” provides the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “叔” is “亻,” which signifies a person or human-related concepts.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 叔父 (おじ, oji) – uncle
- 叔母 (おば, oba) – aunt
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私の叔父は旅行が好きです。 (My uncle loves to travel.)
- 叔母の家に遊びに行きます。 (I will visit my aunt’s house.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 伯 (はく, haku) – elder brother of one’s parent; it refers to an older uncle.
- 従 (じゅう, jū) – younger sibling; it can refer to a younger brother or sister.
Antonyms:
- 姉 (あね, ane) – older sister; it represents a female sibling.
- 弟 (おとうと, otōto) – younger brother; it refers to a male sibling.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, family hierarchy and relationships are significant, and terms like “叔” reflect the importance of familial bonds. The distinction between uncles and aunts is often emphasized in family gatherings and traditions.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there may not be specific proverbs that directly use “叔,” the concept of family and respect for elders is prevalent in many Japanese sayings, highlighting the value of familial relationships.