1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “象” (pronounced “zou” in Japanese) primarily means “elephant.” It can also refer to a “symbol” or “image,” representing something in a figurative sense.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “象” is a pictogram, originally depicting the shape of an elephant. It is composed of two parts: the radical 牛 (ushi), meaning “cow” or “beef,” which is often associated with large animals, and the phonetic component 相 (sou), which contributes to its pronunciation.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “象” are:
- 象牙 (zouge) – ivory
- 象徴 (shouchou) – symbol
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「動物園で象を見ました。」 (Doubutsuen de zou o mimashita.) – “I saw an elephant at the zoo.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 獣 (juu) – beast, which refers to wild animals but does not specifically mean elephant.
Antonyms include:
- 虫 (mushi) – insect, representing a much smaller and different category of animals.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “象” has significant ties to Japanese culture, often symbolizing wisdom and strength due to the elephant’s characteristics. In Japanese proverbs, elephants are sometimes used to convey messages about memory and intelligence.
For example, the saying 「象のように記憶力が良い」 (zou no you ni kioku-ryoku ga yoi) translates to “having a memory like an elephant,” indicating someone with an excellent memory.