1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “常” (jou) means “usual,” “normal,” or “constant.” It conveys the idea of something that is regular or habitual in nature.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “常” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “水” (water) at the bottom, which can symbolize flow or continuity, and the character “常” itself, which suggests permanence.
Radical: The radical of “常” is “水” (water), indicating a connection to fluidity and continuity in its meaning.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “常” are:
- 常識 (じょうしき, joushiki) – common sense
- 常に (つねに, tsuneni) – always
- 常連 (じょうれん, jouren) – regular customer
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は常に遅刻します。 (かれはつねにちこくします。) – He is always late.
- 常識を持って行動しましょう。 (じょうしきをもってこうどうしましょう。) – Let’s act with common sense.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “普” (fu), which means “universal” or “general.” While both convey a sense of regularity, “常” emphasizes habitual nature, whereas “普” focuses on widespread applicability.
Antonyms: An antonym of “常” is “不常” (ふじょう, fujou), which means “unusual” or “rare,” indicating something that does not occur regularly.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of “常” is significant in Japanese culture, where routine and consistency are valued. It reflects the importance of stability in daily life.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “常に変わる” (つねにかわる, tsuneni kawaru), meaning “always changing,” which highlights the contrast between the idea of constancy and the reality of change in life.