1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “訟” (shō) primarily means “to litigate” or “to sue.” It is associated with legal disputes and the act of bringing a case to court.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “訟” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements related to speech and legal matters. It consists of the radical for “speech” (言) and the character “省” (shō), which can imply examination or consideration.
Radical: The radical of “訟” is 言 (gen), which relates to words, speech, or language, emphasizing the communicative aspect of legal disputes.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 訴訟 (soshō) – lawsuit
- 訟務 (shōmu) – legal affairs
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は訴訟を起こすことに決めた。 (Kare wa soshō o okosu koto ni kimeta.) – He decided to file a lawsuit.
- 訟務に関する相談を受けました。 (Shōmu ni kansuru sōdan o ukemashita.) – I received a consultation regarding legal affairs.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 訴 (so) – to accuse or to appeal, which focuses more on the act of bringing a complaint.
- 裁 (sai) – to judge, which emphasizes the decision-making aspect in legal contexts.
Antonyms:
- 和解 (wakai) – reconciliation, which represents the resolution of disputes without litigation.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “訟” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of legal systems and conflict resolution in society.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「訴えられたら、証拠を持っていけ。」 (Uttaeraretara, shōko o motte ike.) – “If you are sued, bring evidence.” This emphasizes the importance of having proof in legal matters.