1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “醜” (shū) means “ugly” or “disgraceful.” It is used to describe something that is visually unappealing or morally reprehensible.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “醜” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “酉,” which relates to alcohol or fermentation, and the character “虫,” which means “insect.” This combination suggests something unpleasant or undesirable.
The radical “酉” indicates that the character is related to food or drink, while “虫” adds a connotation of something that is repulsive or bothersome.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “醜” are:
- 醜い (minikui) – ugly
- 醜態 (shūtai) – disgraceful behavior
Example sentence in daily conversation:
彼の醜い行動はみんなに嫌われた。
(His ugly behavior made everyone dislike him.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 悪 (aku) – bad, evil (more general negative connotation)
- 醜 (shū) – specifically refers to ugliness or disgrace
Antonyms include:
- 美 (bi) – beauty
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “醜” has cultural significance in Japan, often associated with moral lessons about the importance of inner beauty over outer appearance. It appears in various proverbs and idioms, such as:
- 「醜いものは美しいものを隠す」 (Minikui mono wa utsukushii mono o kakusu) – “Ugly things hide beautiful things.”
This reflects the idea that negative traits can overshadow positive qualities, emphasizing the value of character and integrity in Japanese culture.