1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “塾” (juku) refers to a private tutoring school or cram school in Japan, where students receive additional education outside of regular school hours. It is a place for focused study and exam preparation.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “塾” is composed of two parts: the radical “土” (tsuchi), which means “earth” or “ground,” and the character “塾” itself, which originally indicated a place of learning. The character can be classified as a compound character (会意文字), as it combines elements to convey a specific meaning related to education.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “塾” are:
- 塾生 (jukusei) – student at a cram school
- 塾講師 (jukukōshi) – tutor or instructor at a cram school
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼は受験のために塾に通っています。」(Kare wa juken no tame ni juku ni kayotteimasu.) – “He is attending a cram school for exam preparation.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 学校 (gakkō) – school, which refers to a formal educational institution.
Antonyms include:
- 無学 (mugaku) – illiteracy or lack of education.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “塾” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance placed on education and academic achievement. Cram schools became popular during the Edo period and have continued to play a significant role in the educational landscape of Japan.
Proverbs and idioms related to education include:
- 「学問に王道なし」(Gakumon ni ōdō nashi) – “There is no royal road to learning,” emphasizing that hard work is essential for education.