Translation and Meaning of: 章 - shou

The Japanese word 章[しょう] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting meanings and uses in the Japanese language and culture. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding terms like this can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which this word is used, as well as practical tips for memorizing it.

The term 章[しょう] appears frequently in books, articles, and even in more formal conversations. Its main meaning is related to "chapter" or "section," but there are nuances worth knowing. Let's dive into the details and discover how this word fits into the everyday life of Japanese speakers.

Meaning and use of 章[しょう]

The most common meaning of 章[しょう] is "chapter," referring to divisions in books, documents, or even in presentations. For example, a Japanese novel is often divided into 章, just like in Portuguese. However, this word can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as in "chapters of life," bringing a more poetic connotation.

Moreover, 章[しょう] can appear in the titles of academic papers or reports, indicating important sections. If you've read a manga or light novel, you've likely encountered this word marking the beginning of a new part of the story. This versatility makes it quite useful both in everyday life and in more elaborate texts.

Origin and writing of the kanji 章

The kanji 章 is composed of elements that help to understand its meaning. It combines the radical 立 (which means "to stand" or "to establish") with 早 (which can mean "early" or "quick"). Together, these components suggest the idea of something organized and structured, like the chapters of a book. This relationship between form and meaning is common in many kanjis and can be a great way to memorize them.

Historically, the character 章 has roots in ancient Chinese, where it was also used to represent textual divisions. Over time, its use became established in Japanese, maintaining the same basic function. Studying the origin of kanji not only aids in memorization, but also offers a glimpse into the evolution of writing in East Asia.

Tips for memorizing and using 章[しょう]

An effective way to remember 章[しょう] is to associate it with books or stories you already know. Think about how chapters organize the narrative and try to apply that logic when learning the word. Another tip is to create simple sentences, such as "この本の第一章は面白いです" (The first chapter of this book is interesting), to practice its use in real contexts.

In addition, paying attention to materials in Japanese, such as mangas or online articles, can help identify how 章[しょう] appears naturally. Often, repeated exposure to a word in different contexts is the key to assimilating it permanently. Suki Nihongo, one of the best online Japanese dictionaries, can also be a valuable tool for finding additional examples.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 篇 (Hen) - Chapter, section, or a part of a literary work
• 巻 (Kan) - Volume, roll or part of a series of books
• 節 (Setsu) - Section, period, or point in a text or speech
• 節目 (Setsume) - Turning point, milestone, or transition in events
• 節回し (Setsumawashi) - Passage or segment of a narrative
• 節度 (Setsudo) - Moderation or limits to be observed in behavior
• 節約 (Setsuyaku) - Economy or expense cutting
• 節穴 (Setsuana) - Pebble hole or opening that connects parts
• 節足動物 (Setsusokudoubutsu) - Arthropods, a group of animals that have jointed legs
• 節足類 (Setsusokurui) - Crustaceans and other animals with jointed legs
• 節骨 (Setsukotsu) - Articulation or connection between the bones
• 節食 (Sesshoku) - Diet or controlled diet
• 節酒 (Sesshu) - Drink in moderation, controlled alcohol consumption
• 節魚 (Setsugyo) - Fish or specific types of fish
• 節鳥 (Setsutori) - Species sheltered or focal points in birds
• 節點 (Setsuten) - Key point, node, or junction in a network or system
• 節點線 (Setsuten-sen) - Lines that connect points in a system
• 節點節 (Setsuten-setsu) - Specific interconnection points in a system

章

Romaji: shou
Kana: しょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: 1. Chapter; Section; 2. Medal

Meaning in English: 1. chapter;section; 2. medal

Definition: A book or literature divided into several units.

Example Sentences - (章) shou

See below some example sentences:

記号を使って文章を書くのは楽しいです。

Kigō o tsukatte bunshō o kaku no wa tanoshii desu

It's fun to write sentences using symbols.

It's fun to use a symbol to write sentences.

• 記号 (kigou) - symbol
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 使って (tsukatte) - using
• 文章 (bunshou) - text, sentence
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 書く (kaku) - write
• のは (no wa) - Topic particle
• 楽しい (tanoshii) - Fun, pleasant
• です (desu) - to be (polite form)

括弧を使って文章を区切ってください。

Kakko wo tsukatte bunshou wo kugiratte kudasai

Please separate the text using parentheses.

Separate text using parentheses.

• 括弧 - It means "parentheses" in Japanese.
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 使って - conjugated form of the verb "tsukatte", meaning "to use"
• 文章 - means "phrase" or "text" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 区切って - conjugated form of the verb "wakatte", which means "to divide" or "to separate"
• ください - imperative form of the verb "kudasai," which means "please"

この文章の文体はとても美しいです。

Kono bunshou no buntai wa totemo utsukushii desu

The writing of this text is very beautiful.

The style of this sentence is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 文章 - noun meaning "text" or "written"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 文体 - noun meaning "writing style" or "literary style"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - verb ser/estar in the present, used to indicate formality and courtesy in the Japanese language

「この文章に何か付け加える必要がある。」

Kono bunshou ni nanika tsukekaeru hitsuyou ga aru

I need to add something to this sentence.

• 「 - opening character in Japanese.
• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 文章 - Noun that means "text" or "written document".
• に - particle indicating action of destination or place where something happens.
• 何か - indefinite pronoun meaning "something".
• 付け加える - verb meaning "to add" or "to add".
• 必要 - adjective meaning "necessary" or "essential".
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - Verb that means "to exist" or "to have".
• 。 - closing character in Japanese.

「文法が正しい文章を書くことは重要です。」

Bunpou ga tadashii bunshou wo kaku koto wa juuyou desu

It is important to write the correct sentence.

• 「文法が正しい文章を書くことは重要です。」
• 「」 - Japanese quotation marks
• 文法 - Word that means "grammar"
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 正しい - adjective meaning "correct"
• 文章 - Noun that means "phrase" or "text"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 書く - Verb meaning "to write"
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important"
• です - Verb that indicates the state or condition of the sentence

この文章はとても面白いです。

Kono bunshou wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This sentence is very interesting.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 文章 - Noun that means "text" or "written document".
• は - Particle that marks the topic of the sentence.
• とても - Adverb meaning "a lot".
• 面白い - adjective that means "interesting" or "fun".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

この文章を英語に訳す必要があります。

Kono bunshou wo eigo ni yakusu hitsuyou ga arimasu

It is necessary to translate this text into English.

You need to translate this sentence into English.

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this"
• 文章 - noun meaning "text", "writing" or "composition"
• を - direct object particle
• 英語 - noun meaning "English"
• に - target or direction particle
• 訳す - verb meaning "to translate"
• 必要 - adjective meaning "necessary" or "essential"
• が - subject particle
• あります - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"

符号を使って文章を書くことができます。

Fugou wo tsukatte bunshou wo kaku koto ga dekimasu

You can write sentences using a sign.

• 符号 (fugō) - symbol
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 使って (tsukatte) - using
• 文章 (bunshō) - text, writing
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 書く (kaku) - write
• こと (koto) - Nominalizer noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• できます (dekimasu) - to be able to, can

簡潔な文章は読みやすいです。

Kanketsu na bunshou wa yomiyasui desu

A concise sentence is easy to read.

• 簡潔な - concise, succinct
• 文章 - text, writing
• は - Topic particle
• 読みやすい - easy to read
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

送り仮名は日本語の文章で重要な役割を果たします。

Sorikana wa nihongo no bunsho de juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashimasu

The sending of Kana plays an important role in Japanese sentences.

• 送り仮名 - means "send kana", which are the characters added to Japanese words to indicate their correct pronunciation.
• 日本語 - means "Japanese language".
• 文章 - means "sentence" or "text".
• 重要 - means "important".
• 役割 - means "role" or "function".
• 果たします - is a verb that means "to fulfill" or "to execute".