1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “舗” (pronounced “ho” or “po”) primarily means “pavement” or “to pave.” It refers to the act of laying down a surface, such as a road or pathway, and is often associated with construction and infrastructure.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “舗” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines a semantic component and a phonetic component. The left part “土” (meaning “earth” or “ground”) indicates the relation to surfaces, while the right part “補” (which suggests “to supplement” or “to support”) provides the phonetic reading.
Radical: The radical of “舗” is “土” (ground), which is commonly associated with earth-related meanings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 舗装 (ほそう, hosou) – paving
- 舗道 (ほどう, hodou) – paved road
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この道は新しく舗装されました。 (このみちはあたらしくほそうされました。) – This road has been newly paved.
- 舗道を歩くのは楽しいです。 (ほどうをあるくのはたのしいです。) – Walking on the pavement is enjoyable.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 道 (どう, dou) – road; while “道” refers to a path or way, “舗” specifically emphasizes the surface or paving aspect.
Antonyms:
- 荒れ (あれ, are) – rough; this term indicates an unpaved or uneven surface, contrasting with the smoothness implied by “舗.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of paving is significant in Japan, where infrastructure development has been crucial for urbanization and transportation. The kanji “舗” reflects the importance of well-maintained roads in daily life.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there are no specific proverbs that directly use “舗,” the idea of paving a path can metaphorically relate to creating opportunities or preparing for the future, similar to the saying “道を開く” (みちをひらく, michi wo hiraku) which means “to open a path.”