1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “室” (shitsu) means “room” or “chamber.” It refers to an enclosed space within a building, often used for specific purposes such as living, working, or storage.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “室” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements for “house” (家) and “to stop” (止), symbolizing a space within a house where activities take place.
Radical: The radical for “室” is “宀” (kanmuri), which represents a roof or house, indicating that the character relates to a structure or enclosed space.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 教室 (kyoushitsu) – classroom
- 寝室 (shinshi) – bedroom
- 会議室 (kaigishitsu) – conference room
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この教室は広いです。 (Kono kyoushitsu wa hiroi desu.) – This classroom is spacious.
- 寝室に行きます。 (Shinshi ni ikimasu.) – I am going to the bedroom.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 部屋 (heya) – room; while “室” often refers to a specific type of room, “部屋” is a more general term for any room.
Antonyms:
- 外 (soto) – outside; this term refers to the area outside of a building, contrasting with the enclosed space indicated by “室.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “室” is significant in Japanese culture, as many traditional homes have specific rooms designated for various activities, such as tea ceremonies or family gatherings.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “四面楚歌” (shimen soka), which means being surrounded by enemies, metaphorically referring to being trapped in a room with no escape.