1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “庫” (kō) means “storehouse” or “warehouse.” It refers to a place where items are stored or kept, often used in the context of storage facilities or repositories.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “庫” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “亻” (person) and “庫” (which relates to storage), suggesting a place where people store items.
Radical: The radical for “庫” is “亻,” which indicates a connection to people or human activities.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “庫” are:
- 図書館 (toshokan) – library (literally “book storehouse”)
- 倉庫 (sōko) – warehouse
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この本は図書館にあります。 (Kono hon wa toshokan ni arimasu.) – This book is in the library.
- 私たちは新しい倉庫を建てる予定です。 (Watashitachi wa atarashii sōko o tateru yotei desu.) – We plan to build a new warehouse.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “倉” (sō), which also means “storehouse” but is often used in a more specific context, such as a granary or a place for storing goods.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “放” (hō), which means “to release” or “to let go,” indicating the opposite action of storing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of storage is significant in Japanese culture, where organization and tidiness are valued. Storehouses have historically been important for preserving food and goods.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “倉庫の中の宝” (sōko no naka no takara), which means “treasures in the storehouse,” referring to hidden potential or value that may not be immediately visible.