1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “局” (kyo) generally means “office,” “bureau,” or “station.” It refers to a place where specific administrative or organizational functions are carried out.
2. Formation and Radicals
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “局” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “house” (屋) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “局” is “屋” (yane), which means “roof” or “house,” indicating a physical structure or place.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “局” are:
- 郵便局 (yūbinkyoku) – post office
- 警察局 (keisatsukyoku) – police station
- 放送局 (hōsōkyoku) – broadcasting station
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「郵便局に行ってきます。」(Yūbinkyoku ni ittekimasu.) – “I will go to the post office.”
- 「警察局はどこですか？」(Keisatsukyoku wa doko desu ka?) – “Where is the police station?”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “所” (sho), which also means “place” but is more general and can refer to any location, not specifically an office or bureau.
Antonyms: An antonym could be “無” (mu), meaning “none” or “without,” as it represents the absence of a place or office.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “局” is significant in Japanese society, where various offices and bureaus play essential roles in administration and public services.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there may not be specific proverbs that include “局,” the term is often used in contexts discussing organization and structure, reflecting the importance of order in Japanese culture.