1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 職 (shoku) primarily means “occupation” or “job.” It refers to a person’s profession or the work they do to earn a living.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 職 is a compound character that combines the elements of “to serve” (仕) and “to speak” (言). This reflects the idea of a profession involving communication and service.
Radical: The radical for 職 is 職 itself, which is often associated with work or occupation.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 職 are:
- 職業 (shokugyō) – occupation
- 職場 (shokuba) – workplace
- 職人 (shokunin) – craftsman
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は医者の職を持っています。 (Kare wa isha no shoku o motteimasu.) – He has a job as a doctor.
- 新しい職場に慣れるのは大変です。 (Atarashii shokuba ni nareru no wa taihen desu.) – It is difficult to get used to a new workplace.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 業 (gyō), which also means “business” or “industry,” but it emphasizes the commercial aspect of work.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be 失業 (shitsugyō), meaning “unemployment,” which indicates the absence of a job.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of 職 is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where work is often seen as a source of pride and identity.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is 職を持つ者は幸せ (shoku o motsu mono wa shiawase), which translates to “Those who have a job are happy,” highlighting the value placed on employment in society.