1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “業” (gyou) primarily means “business,” “work,” or “occupation.” It can also refer to “karma” in a spiritual context, indicating the actions and deeds of an individual that influence their future.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “業” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “土” (earth) at the bottom, which often relates to the ground or foundation, and the character “業” itself, which can imply a sense of action or work.
The radical “土” suggests a connection to the physical world, emphasizing the idea of work or labor that is grounded in reality.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “業” are:
- 業務 (gyoumu) – business operations
- 業界 (gyoukai) – industry
- 職業 (shokugyou) – occupation
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 彼は新しい業務に取り組んでいます。
(He is working on a new business operation.) - この業界は急速に成長しています。
(This industry is growing rapidly.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 仕事 (shigoto) – work, job (more general and informal)
- 労働 (roudou) – labor (often refers to physical work)
Antonyms include:
- 休暇 (kyuuka) – vacation, which implies a break from work.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “業” has significant ties to Japanese culture, particularly in the context of work ethics and the importance of diligence. In traditional Japanese society, hard work and dedication to one’s profession are highly valued.
Proverbs and idioms that include “業” are:
- 業は自ら作る (Gyou wa mizukara tsukuru) – “One’s actions create their own fate,” emphasizing the connection between one’s work and their future.