1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “酢” (su) means “vinegar.” It refers to a sour liquid produced by fermenting alcohol, commonly used in cooking and food preservation.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “酢” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which combines the semantic component “酉” (related to alcohol) and the phonetic component “即” (pronounced as “suku”). This indicates its connection to fermented products.
Radical: The radical for “酢” is “酉,” which is associated with wine and alcoholic beverages.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 酢飯 (sumeshi) – sushi rice seasoned with vinegar
- 米酢 (komezu) – rice vinegar
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- このサラダには酢が入っていますか？ (Does this salad contain vinegar?)
- 酢を使って料理をすると、味が引き立ちます。 (Using vinegar in cooking enhances the flavor.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 酸 (san) – meaning “acid,” which refers to a sour taste but is broader than just vinegar.
Antonyms:
- 甘 (ama) – meaning “sweet,” which represents the opposite taste of sour.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Vinegar has been an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine for centuries, particularly in sushi and pickling.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “酢の物” (su no mono), which refers to dishes made with vinegar, highlighting its importance in traditional Japanese cooking.