Translation and Meaning of: 種 - shu

The Japanese word 種[しゅ] is a versatile and interesting term, found in various contexts of the language. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the meaning and use of this word, this article will explore everything you need to know. From its translation and origin to practical examples and memorization tips, we will uncover the details of 種[しゅ] in a clear and objective manner.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you will find detailed explanations about words like this, but here we go beyond the basic definition. Let's dive into how 種[しゅ] is used in daily life, its cultural significance, and even some curiosities that can facilitate your learning. Whether to expand your vocabulary or to understand the Japanese language better, this guide will help you.

Meaning and translation of 種[しゅ]

In its most basic form, 種[しゅ] can be translated as "type," "species," or "variety." This word is often used to classify things into distinct groups, as in この種の本 (kono shu no hon), which means "this type of book." However, its meaning can expand depending on the context in which it is used.

In some cases, 種 can also refer to "seed," especially when written with the kanji 種. This duality of meanings is common in Japanese and shows how a single word can encompass seemingly different concepts. For example, 植物の種 (shokubutsu no shu) means "plant seed," while 動物の種 (doubutsu no shu) refers to "animal species."

Origin and use of the kanji 種

The kanji 種 is composed of two main elements: the radical 禾 (rice ear) and 重 (heavy, important). This combination suggests the idea of something essential or fundamental, like a seed that carries the potential for life. Historically, the character was adopted from ancient Chinese, but its use in Japanese has evolved to encompass broader meanings.

In modern writing, 種 appears in various compounds and expressions. Words like 種類 (shurui, "type" or "category") and 人種 (jinshu, "human race") demonstrate its versatility. It is worth noting that, although the kanji itself is complex, its reading しゅ is relatively simple and common in everyday use, making it accessible even for beginners in the language.

Tips for memorizing and using 種[しゅ]

An effective way to solidify the meaning of 種[しゅ] is to associate it with specific contexts. For example, think of phrases like この種の問題 (kono shu no mondai), which means "this type of problem." Repeating this pattern in different situations helps to internalize the use of the word. Another tip is to create flashcards with practical examples, highlighting both the kanji and the pronunciation.

Interestingly, 種[しゅ] also appears in scientific terms, such as 種子 (shushi, "seed") or 種族 (shuzoku, "tribe" or "ethnic group"). These variations show how a single word can be applied in various fields, from biology to sociology. For those who enjoy animes or dramas, paying attention to the use of 種 in dialogues can be a fun way to learn.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 種子 (Shuushi) - Seeds
• 種類 (Shurui) - Types, categories
• 種族 (Shuzoku) - Race, ethnicity
• 種々 (Shujuu) - Various, many types
• 種類別 (Shurui-betsu) - By type, categorized by type
• 種苗 (Shubyou) - Plants, seedlings
• 種蒔き (Tanemaki) - Seed planting
• 種々雑多 (Shujuuzatta) - Varied and diverse
• 種子法 (Shuushi Hou) - Seed Law
• 種子商法 (Shuushi Shouhou) - Commercial practices involving seeds
• 種子植物 (Shuushi Shokubutsu) - Plants that produce seeds
• 種子保存法 (Shuushi Hozon Hou) - Seed conservation law
• 種子生産法 (Shuushi Seisan Hou) - Seed Production Law
• 種子生産者 (Shuushi Seisansha) - Seed producers
• 種子生産地 (Shuushi Seisan-chi) - Seed production regions
• 種子生産業 (Shuushi Seisan-gyou) - Seed production industry
• 種子生産農家 (Shuushi Seisan Nouka) - Seed farmers
• 種子生産農業 (Shuushi Seisan Nougyou) - Seed production agriculture
• 種子生産組合 (Shuushi Seisan Kumiai) - Seed producers cooperative
• 種子生産者団体 (Shuushi Seisansha Dantai) - Seed producers organization

種

Romaji: shu
Kana: しゅ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: kind; variety; species

Meaning in English: kind;variety;species

Definition: The basic things that form the foundation of things.

Example Sentences - (種) shu

See below some example sentences:

板は木材の一種です。

Ita wa mokuzai no issu desu

Placa is a type of wood.

The plank is a kind of wood.

• 板 (ita) - board, plank
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 木材 (mokuzai) - wood, wooden material
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 一種 (isshu) - a kind, a species
• です (desu) - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

人種差別は許されない。

Jinshu sabetsu wa yurusarenai

Racial discrimination is not allowed.

Racial discrimination is not allowed.

• 人種差別 - Racial discrimination
• は - Topic particle
• 許されない - Not allowed

この品種のりんごはとても甘いです。

Kono hinshu no ringo wa totemo amai desu

This apple variety is very sweet.

The apple of this variety is very sweet.

• この - this
• 品種 - variety
• の - of
• りんご - Litter
• は - is
• とても - very
• 甘い - Sweet
• です - (end of sentence particle)

この店にはたくさんの種類の商品があります。

Kono mise ni wa takusan no shurui no shōhin ga arimasu

There are many kinds of products in this store.

• この店には - indicate the location where the products are available
• たくさんの - means "many"
• 種類の - refers to the types of products available
• 商品が - means "products"
• あります - it is the verb "to exist" in the polite form

トランジスターは電子部品の一種です。

Toranjisutaa wa denshi buhin no issu desu

Transistor is a type of electronic component.

• トランジスター - transistor
• は - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• 電子部品 - electronic components
• の - particle possession indicating or association
• 一種 - one type
• です - is (copulation)

ビールスはウイルスの一種です。

Bīrusu wa uirusu no issu desu

Virus is a type of virus.

The virus is a type of virus.

• ビールス - "virus" in Japanese
• は - Topic particle
• ウイルス - "virus" in Japanese (written in katakana)
• の - Possessive particle
• 一種 - "um tipo de"
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese

一種の花が咲いた。

Hitotsu no hana ga saita

A kind of flower bloomed.

• 一種の - "um tipo de"
• 花 - "flower"
• が - subject particle
• 咲いた - "bloomed"

各種商品が揃っています。

Kakushu shouhin ga sorotte imasu

Several products are available.

• 各種 - Several types
• 商品 - Products
• が - Subject particle
• 揃っています - They are complete/they are available

巡査は警察官の一種です。

Junsa wa keisatsukan no issu desu

Junsa is a type of police officer.

The police are a type of police.

• 巡査 - police officer
• は - Topic particle
• 警察官 - Oficial de polícia
• の - Possession particle
• 一種 - um tipo de
• です - is

私は庭に花の種を散蒔きました。

Watashi wa niwa ni hana no tane wo chiramikimashita

I scattered flower seeds in the garden.

I sowed flowers in the garden.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 庭 - noun that means "garden"
• に - locative particle that indicates where something happened
• 花 - noun that means "flowers"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that the flowers belong to the garden
• 種 - noun that means "seeds"
• を - object particle that indicates that the seeds have been scattered
• 散蒔きました - verb that means "to scatter seeds"