1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “校” (kō) primarily means “school” or “to examine.” It is commonly associated with educational institutions and the act of reviewing or checking something.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “校” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “木” (tree) and the phonetic component “こう” (kō), which relates to the idea of a place where learning and growth occur, much like a tree grows.
Radical: The radical of “校” is “木,” which signifies “tree” or “wood,” symbolizing growth and knowledge.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “校” are:
- 学校 (gakkō) – school
- 校長 (kōchō) – principal
- 校舎 (kōsha) – school building
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私は毎日学校に行きます。 (Watashi wa mainichi gakkō ni ikimasu.) – I go to school every day.
- 校長先生はとても優しいです。 (Kōchō sensei wa totemo yasashii desu.) – The principal is very kind.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “学” (gaku), which means “study” or “learning.” While “校” refers to the institution where learning takes place, “学” focuses on the act of learning itself.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “退” (tai), which means “to retreat” or “to withdraw,” representing the opposite of the educational pursuit associated with “校.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “校” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance placed on education and learning. Schools are seen as places for personal and social development.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “学びて思わざれば則ち罔し” (Manabite omowazareba, sunawachi mōshi), which translates to “If you learn but do not think, you will be confused.” This highlights the value of critical thinking in education.