Translation and Meaning of: 総 - sou

The Japanese word 総 [そう] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries important nuances in the language. If you have ever wondered about its meaning, origin, or how to use it correctly, this article will clarify those doubts. Here, we will explore everything from its writing and reading to the cultural context in which this word appears. Suki Nihongo, your reliable Japanese dictionary, has gathered essential information for those who want to master the use of 総 in everyday life.

Meaning and usage of 総 [そう]

総 is a kanji that generally conveys the idea of "total," "general," or "complete." It appears in words like 総合 [そうごう], which means "integration" or "synthesis," and 総人口 [そうじんこう], which refers to "total population." Its use is common in formal and academic contexts, but it also appears in everyday situations.

An interesting characteristic of 総 is its versatility. It can modify nouns to indicate that something encompasses everything or is comprehensive. For example, 総会 [そうかい] means "general assembly," demonstrating how the kanji adds a sense of totality. This function makes it useful in various fields, from business to statistics.

Origin and writing of the kanji 総

The kanji 総 is composed of the radical 糸 (thread) and the component 宗, which suggests the idea of "main" or "essential." This combination reflects the concept of something that brings together or encompasses all parts, like threads woven together. Its origin dates back to ancient Chinese, where it already carried meanings related to totality and collectivity.

In modern writing, 総 retains this essence but has gained specific uses in Japanese. It is important to note that it is not one of the more frequently used kanji in daily life, but it appears regularly in formal texts, official documents, and technical terms. Japanese students often encounter it in advanced vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing and using 総 correctly

An effective way to fix the meaning of 総 is to associate it with words that already contain this kanji. Expressions like 総理大臣 [そうりだいじん] ("prime minister") or 総額 [そうがく] ("total amount") help to understand its practical use. Repeating these words in real contexts makes memorization easier.

Another tip is to pay attention to the formal tone that 総 usually carries. It rarely appears in casual conversations, being more common in news, reports, or technical discussions. Recognizing this pattern avoids inappropriate uses and helps identify when the word is appropriate.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 全体 (zentai) - totality, set
• 全般 (zenpan) - general, in broad terms
• 総体 (soutai) - totality in a broader sense, a whole
• 総合 (sougou) - integration of parts, integrated analysis
• 総括 (soukatsu) - general conclusion, summary
• 総称 (soushou) - collective denomination, general name for a group
• 総計 (soukei) - total, total sum
• 総額 (sougaku) - total value, total amount

総

Romaji: sou
Kana: そう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: whole; all; general; brute

Meaning in English: whole;all;general;gross

Definition: Let's tediously. Well-established. Communication. total. Foreign cloth. The end of the brush. In other words, to summarize. Total. cross. Tight. Bending. Request for proposals from local government organizations. all. Draft. Self-indulgence. approximately. Organized. Records. Calculation. Omitted. meaning. Essence of green oil. Fee payment. Heritage. Same place. Outline. Research. Theory. As mentioned above. products. My thoughts are full. Also. Harvest. Front and back. Meaning of the word. Collection. Out of necessity. Yu Wu Shen. Fixed. Clear. table. Text. system. Somewhat standardized. Action. Law. Record. Before and after. Very. Event. Described. Close. Standard. Fuchigen. Launch. Close. Omitted. Take a turn. Suitable for both. Generally. suitable. Discover. include. Existence. Before. original. Right. note. need. depends on. Good news. base. Take what you deserve. A branch of fruit. Meeting. Leaving. 8973. GO. Yes. Due. Generations. In this state. Original form. Suddenly. Confluence. Daily use. Status. Messenger. If you need. Yes. Harmony. Pith. connection. Minutes. Profit. Exchange. base. Close. That's right. Completed. I don't know. root. Immediately after. clear. Reason. Direct. Massage. Monkey. Everyone. life. Finally. Suitable. The rest. Next. understand. Eyes eyes. Use it. Done. Floating. A general. Poor. Dedication. part. now. I hesitate. Trunk of truth. O. Great. Choice. noon. No longer. A. book. The meeting of achievements. Suitable. SELF.1. Face to face. The periphery of. Rusuke. Sorry. Beginning. Reason. Realize. Meaning. Akira. Detail. I. Shiniro. Tuning. Appearance. road. line. Japan. About. I didn't use it. Suddenly. 7073. Book. High. Aged. True. city. do. fruit. Trip. Deku. look. seat. Countermeasures. Book. seat. Border. Go immediately. Koshikai. I'll try. pleasure. I wonder. Tadayoshi. I. Chest. Thoughts. Listed. send. High. Brush style. Exhausted. Solid rock. I lie. I'm surprised. To. PASS Rico. refu.time. I. Life. tree. thing. latest. Me too. From the beginning. eye. I don't care. A mandatory salary. City of Yamashiro. Sense. CHOICE. News. circle. The future ahead. I. to encourage. Yusuke. Easy. line. Explanation. Congratulations. learning. SPLIT. LIB. IN. Achieve. Case. So stupid. behavior. Extended. I. difference.

Example Sentences - (総) sou

See below some example sentences:

総合的なアプローチが必要です。

Sougouteki na apurouchi ga hitsuyou desu

The general approach is needed.

You need a comprehensive approach.

• 総合的な - comprehensive, complete
• アプローチ - approach
• が - particle that indicates subject
• 必要 - necessary
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

総理大臣は国の最高指導者です。

Sōridaijin wa kuni no saikō shidōsha desu

The prime minister is the highest leader of the country.

The prime minister is the highest leader of the country.

• 総理大臣 - Prime Minister
• は - Topic particle
• 国 - Country
• の - Possessive particle
• 最高 - Louder, the loudest
• 指導者 - Leader, guide, mentor
• です - Verb "to be" in the present

総合的なアプローチで問題を解決する。

Sougouteki na apurouchi de mondai wo kaiketsu suru

Solve the problem with a comprehensive approach.

• 総合的な - comprehensive, complete
• アプローチ - approach
• で - particle that indicates the means or method used
• 問題 - problem
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 解決する - to resolve

総会には全員出席してください。

Sōkai ni wa zen'in shusseki shite kudasai

Please join everyone in the general meeting.

• 総会 (soukai) - General meeting
• には (niwa) - Particle that indicates the place or moment when something happens
• 全員 (zen'in) - All members
• 出席 (shusseki) - Presence
• してください (shite kudasai) - Please, do it.