1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “庶” (sho) generally means “common” or “ordinary.” It is often used to refer to the general public or common people, distinguishing them from the elite or privileged classes.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “庶” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “庐” (meaning “house” or “shelter”) and the phonetic component “余,” which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “庶” is “庐,” which relates to buildings or structures, emphasizing the idea of a place where common people reside.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “庶” are “庶民” (shomin – common people) and “庶務” (shomu – general affairs).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「庶民の生活は大変です。」(Shomin no seikatsu wa taihen desu.) – “The lives of common people are tough.”
- 「庶務の仕事を手伝ってくれませんか？」(Shomu no shigoto o tetsudatte kuremasen ka?) – “Could you help me with the general affairs work?”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “一般” (ippan), which also means “general” or “common,” but it is often used in a broader context, such as “一般的” (ippanteki – typical).
Opposite Kanji: An antonym of “庶” is “貴” (ki), which means “noble” or “precious,” referring to the elite or higher classes in society.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “庶” is significant in Japanese culture, as it reflects the values of humility and the importance of the common people in society.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “庶民の声” (shomin no koe), which means “the voice of the common people,” highlighting the importance of listening to the general public in decision-making processes.