Translation and Meaning of: 象 - shou

The Japanese word 象[しょう] is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings and cultural connections. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding this word can enrich your knowledge and even assist in memorizing other vocabulary.

In addition to uncovering the literal meaning of 象[しょう], we will also dive into its cultural context, frequency of use, and even tips to avoid confusing it with other similar words. Whether to enhance your studies or simply satisfy your curiosity, this guide will bring valuable information about this fascinating expression.

Meaning and Origin of 象[しょう]

The kanji 象, read as "shō" in some situations, primarily means "elephant." However, its usage goes beyond the animal itself. In the Japanese language, this character can also represent concepts such as "form," "appearance," or even "phenomenon," depending on the context in which it is used.

The origin of this kanji dates back to ancient China, where its graphical representation was inspired by the figure of an elephant. Over time, the character was incorporated into Japanese, maintaining its essence while gaining nuances specific to Japanese culture. It is interesting to note how a symbol initially connected to a specific animal ended up acquiring more abstract meanings.

Daily Use and Frequency

In day-to-day Japanese, 象[しょう] appears with some regularity, especially in formal or academic contexts. Although the reading "zō" is more common for referring to the animal elephant, the pronunciation "shō" arises in compound words and specific expressions. One example is 象徴[しょうちょう] (shōchō), which means "symbol" or "emblem."

It is worth noting that this word is not among the most frequent in basic Japanese vocabulary, but its knowledge is valuable for those who wish to reach an intermediate or advanced level in the language. In literary texts or philosophical discussions, 象[しょう] may appear with its more abstract meanings, adding layers of interpretation to the content.

Memory Tips and Curiosities

To memorize this kanji, an effective technique is to associate its shape with the image of an elephant. Notice how the character seems to represent the trunk, tusks, and body of the animal. This visual connection can greatly facilitate learning, especially for beginner students.

An interesting curiosity is that, in Japanese culture, the elephant (represented by this kanji) is not a native animal, but still holds an important symbolic place. It appears in expressions and proverbs, often representing strength, memory, or greatness. This cultural presence helps explain why the character remains relevant even in a context where the animal itself is rare.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 象 (ゾウ) - Elephant
• きさま - You (disrespectful form)
• しょうぞう - Character name, image; it can also refer to a type of artist or print (contextual)
• しょう - Style, method, recipe
• ぞうあし - Elephant foot
• ぞうぞく - Intra-family relationships; it also refers to "familiar" in a broad context.
• ぞうぞうしい - Unpleasant, uncomfortable
• ぞうえん - Elephant Garden
• ぞうがい - Vehicle (literally: a means of transport that represents a figure of an elephant or similar)
• ぞうき - Effigy, a form of art (like a painting or sculpture)
• ぞうぎょう - Doorman (in a job or role sense)
• ぞうこう - Handicraft, artistic creation (in the context of making)
• ぞうし - Performance, skill (in a sport or technical situation)
• ぞうしょう - Growth or development, especially in a business context
• ぞうしん - Kinship; family connection
• ぞうせい - Production or manufacturing (referred to as the creation of something new)
• ぞうたい - Management, control (mainly in organizational contexts)
• ぞうだい - Increase, expansion (in an economic context)
• ぞうちょう - Amplification or extension (used in project planning)
• ぞうてん - Deviation of circumstances (referred to as planned deviation)
• ぞうどう - Worker, workforce (character of skilled labor)
• ぞうひ - Information overload (business or commerce context)
• ぞうふく - Financial expansion (in business practice)
• ぞうぶつ - Theatrical or circus animals (in the context of entertainment)
• ぞうべん - Blessing or protection (in mystical or cultural contexts)
• ぞうほう - Conflict or disagreement (referred to as a friction)
• ぞうまつ - Lifetime character, formality (in the preservation of rights or art)

象

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

Translation / Meaning: phenomenon

Meaning in English: phenomenon

Definition: A mammal with a long nose and large ears.

Example Sentences - (象) shou

See below some example sentences:

蝶は美しい春の象徴です。

Chou wa utsukushii haru no shouchou desu

Butterflies are a beautiful symbol of spring.

Butterflies are a beautiful symbol of spring.

• 蝶 (ちょう) - butterfly
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい (うつくしい) - Beautiful, nice
• 春 (はる) - spring
• の - Possession particle
• 象徴 (しょうちょう) - symbol, emblem
• です - polite way of being

象は大きな動物です。

Zou wa ookina doubutsu desu

Elephant is a big animal.

The elephant is a big animal.

• 象 (zou) - elephant
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大きな (ookina) - large
• 動物 (doubutsu) - Animal
• です (desu) - Verb to be

気象予報は明日雨が降ると言っています。

Kishō yohō wa ashita ame ga furu to itte imasu

The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow.

The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow.

• 気象予報 - Weather forecast
• は - Topic particle
• 明日 - Tomorrow
• 雨 - Rain
• が - Subject particle
• 降る - Falling (for rain)
• と - Quotation particle
• 言っています - You're saying

強烈な印象を与える。

Kyōretsu na inshō o ataeru

Give a strong impression.

It makes a strong impression.

• 強烈な - strong, intense
• 印象を - impression, impact
• 与える - Dar, fornecer

アメリカは自由と民主主義の象徴です。

Amelika wa jiyū to minshu shugi no shōchō desu

America is a symbol of freedom and democracy.

The United States is a symbol of freedom and democracy.

• アメリカ - America
• は - Topic particle
• 自由 - freedom
• と - I'm sorry, but I need a text or string to translate from Portuguese to English. Please provide the content you'd like me to work on.
• 民主主義 - democracy
• の - Possession particle
• 象徴 - symbol
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

この現象は不思議だね。

Kono genshō wa fushigi da ne

This phenomenon is strange

This phenomenon is strange.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 現象 - noun meaning "phenomenon" or "occurrence"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this phenomenon"
• 不思議 - adjective meaning "mysterious" or "strange"
• だ - auxiliary verb indicating the affirmative form of the sentence
• ね - final particle indicating an expectation of confirmation or agreement from the interlocutor

天皇は日本の象徴的存在です。

Tennou wa Nihon no shouchouteki sonzai desu

The emperor is a symbol of Japan.

• 天皇 - Emperor of Japan
• は - Topic particle
• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possession particle
• 象徴的 - symbolic
• 存在 - existence
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

招き猫は商売繁盛の象徴です。

Maneki neko wa shōbai hanjō no shōchō desu

The lucky cat is a symbol of prosperity in business.

The waving cat is a symbol of business prosperity.

• 招き猫 - lucky cat
• は - Topic particle
• 商売繁盛 - prosperity in business
• の - Possession particle
• 象徴 - symbol
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

生理現象は女性にとって必要なものです。

Seiri genshō wa josei ni totte hitsuyōna mono desu

Physiological phenomena are necessary for women.

• 生理現象 - physiological phenomenon
• は - Topic particle
• 女性 - Women
• にとって - for
• 必要な - necessary
• もの - thing
• です - is

神殿は古代の信仰の象徴です。

Shinden wa kodai no shinkō no shōchō desu

The temple is a symbol of the ancient faith.

The temple is a symbol of ancient religion.

• 神殿 - temple
• は - Topic particle
• 古代 - old
• の - Possessive particle
• 信仰 - Faith, belief
• の - Possessive particle
• 象徴 - symbol
• です - Verb to be