1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “須” (su) means “must” or “necessary.” It conveys a sense of obligation or requirement in various contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “須” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines a semantic component and a phonetic component. The left part, “彳,” relates to movement, while the right part, “須,” indicates the sound.
Radical: The radical for “須” is “彳,” which is associated with walking or movement.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “須” are “必要” (hitsuyou – necessary) and “必須” (hisshu – essential).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この仕事を終わらせるには、時間が須です。 (To finish this work, time is necessary.)
- 成功するためには努力が須です。 (Effort is a must for success.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “必要” (hitsuyou), which also means “necessary,” but it emphasizes the need rather than obligation.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “不必要” (fuhitsuyou), meaning “unnecessary,” which indicates something that is not required.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of necessity is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where fulfilling obligations and responsibilities is highly valued.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “必要に応じて” (hitsuyou ni oujite), which means “as necessary,” highlighting the importance of adapting to circumstances.