1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “績” (shiku) generally means “achievement” or “results.” It is often associated with the idea of success or accomplishments in various fields, such as work, studies, or personal endeavors.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “績” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines two elements: the radical “糸” (ito), which means “thread,” and “石” (ishi), which means “stone.” This combination suggests the idea of weaving threads together to create something valuable, symbolizing the effort and results of one’s work.
The radical of “績” is “糸,” indicating its connection to textiles and the concept of weaving, which metaphorically relates to the idea of achieving results through hard work.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “績” are:
- 業績 (gyouseki) – business performance or achievements
- 成果 (seika) – results or fruits of one’s labor
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼の業績は素晴らしい。」 (Kare no gyouseki wa subarashii.) – “His achievements are remarkable.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 成果 (seika) – results, which emphasizes the outcome of efforts.
- 実績 (jisseki) – actual achievements, focusing on tangible results.
Antonyms include:
- 失敗 (shippai) – failure, which represents the opposite of achievement.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “績” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often reflecting the value placed on hard work and the importance of achieving results. It is frequently used in business contexts to discuss performance and success.
Proverbs and idioms related to “績” include:
- 「努力は必ず報われる。」 (Doryoku wa kanarazu mukuwareru.) – “Effort will surely be rewarded,” emphasizing the connection between hard work and achievement.