Translation and Meaning of: 尉 - jyou

The Japanese word 尉[じょう] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life. Additionally, we will look at some curiosities about its kanji and tips for memorizing it correctly. If you're looking to understand more about じょう, you've come to the right place – Suki Nihongo, the best Japanese dictionary for students.

Meaning and use of 尉 [じょう]

尉[じょう] is a term that originally refers to a military rank, equivalent to "officer" or "lieutenant." In feudal Japan, this title was used to designate hierarchical positions within the army or samurai administration. Nowadays, it still appears in historical contexts or in works of fiction that depict this period.

Although it is not an extremely common word in modern Japanese, じょう can be found in place names, surnames, and even in honorific titles. Its kanji, 尉, also appears in other compound words related to hierarchy and authority, showing its connection to command structures.

Origin and writing of the kanji 尉

The kanji 尉 is composed of the radical 寸 (measure, inch) and the component 示 (to indicate, show). This combination suggests the idea of someone who "shows authority" or "establishes measures," which makes sense considering its military use. The reading じょう is one of several possible readings for this character, which can also be read as "i" in certain contexts.

It is worth noting that 尉 is not one of the more common kanji in daily life, but its study is useful for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of historical or military Japanese. A tip for memorizing it is to associate its radical 寸 with the idea of "measuring" or "evaluating" – something that an officer does when commanding.

Curiosities and Cultural Context

An interesting fact about 尉[じょう] is that, although it has fallen out of use in everyday Japanese, it still appears in certain Japanese surnames, such as Jō (尉) or Jōno (尉野). This reflects the historical influence of military titles in the formation of family names in Japan.

Additionally, in period animes and dramas, it is possible to hear this word being used to refer to characters with leadership positions. If you are a fan of works like "Rurouni Kenshin" or "Samurai Champloo," you may have encountered this term at some point. Observing its use in media can be a great way to solidify its meaning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 将校 (しょうこう) - Officer (military)
• 官 (かん) - Public servant (may refer to various levels of administration)
• 役人 (やくにん) - Employee (usually refers to a government employee)
• 軍人 (ぐんじん) - Military (bands all members of the armed forces)
• 兵士 (へいし) - Soldier (member of the armed forces who engages directly in combat)

尉

Romaji: jyou
Kana: じょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: prison officer; old man; classification; company official

Meaning in English: jailer;old man;rank;company officer

Definition: Lieutenant: In the old Chinese military system, position that commanded a squadron of 1,000 men (leader of a squadron of 1,000 men).

Example Sentences - (尉) jyou

See below some example sentences:

尉官は軍隊の上級将校です。

Yuukan wa guntai no joukyuu shoukou desu

An officer is a senior officer of the armed forces.

The captain is a senior army officer.

• 尉官 - official
• は - Topic particle
• 軍隊 - army
• の - Possession particle
• 上級 - superior
• 将校 - official
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present