Meaning
The kanji 殖 (しょく, ふ.える, ふ.やす) primarily means 'increase,' 'multiply,' 'propagate,' and 'breed.' It applies to both biological reproduction and economic growth, such as investment and asset growth. This character originated as a phono-semantic compound, combining the left radical 歹 (いちた or がつへん) with the right component 直 (ちょく) to convey both its meaning and sound.
The left radical 歹 is typically associated with 'bone' or 'decay.' However, in ancient forms, it functioned as a variant of 肉 (にく - meat, flesh), strongly implying a connection to living organisms, organic matter, and the processes of life and growth. This link to 'flesh' or 'body' is key to understanding the kanji's biological implications, such as breeding or multiplying. The right component 直, while phonetically contributing to the sound 'choku' (related to 'shoku'), also carries the conceptual nuance of 'straight' or 'direct.' Thus, 殖 visually and conceptually hints at a 'direct' or 'straightforward' increase in living matter, leading to propagation or expansion.
This kanji is part of the Joyo Supplementary Kanji set, typically encountered at the N1 level of the JLPT. It has 12 strokes and its radical is 歹 (いちた).
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 殖 is ショク. This reading is commonly used in compound words, often relating to biological processes of increase and multiplication, or economic activities involving growth and investment.
- 繁殖 (hanshoku) — breeding, propagation, reproduction.
例：この動物は繁殖が早い。
- 増殖 (zōshoku) — multiplication, proliferation, increase.
例：細胞の増殖を抑制する。
- 殖産 (shokusan) — industrial promotion, increase of production (often seen in historical contexts like 殖産興業).
例：明治時代には殖産興業が推進された。
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi for 殖 are ふ.える (fu.eru) and ふ.やす (fu.yasu). These readings are used when the kanji stands alone or is followed by okurigana, expressing the verbs 'to increase' (intransitive) and 'to multiply/augment' (transitive), respectively.
- 殖える (fueru) — to increase, to multiply, to grow (intransitive). This implies something itself increasing in number or volume.
例：投資で資産が殖える。
- 殖やす (fuyasu) — to increase, to multiply, to augment (transitive). This implies someone or something causing an increase.
例：貯金を殖やすために働く。
- 株を殖やす (kabu o fuyasu) — to increase one's stock holdings.
例：彼は株を殖やして財産を築いた。
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 殖 appears in a variety of compounds, often categorized by their application in biological, economic, or general contexts of increase.
- Biological Growth & Reproduction:
- 繁殖 (hanshoku) — breeding, propagation, reproduction. Used for animals, plants, or even bacteria.
- 増殖 (zōshoku) — multiplication, proliferation, increase in numbers. Often used in scientific contexts for cells or particles.
- 養殖 (yōshoku) — aquaculture, cultivation, breeding. Refers to raising aquatic animals or plants.
- 生殖 (seishoku) — reproduction, generation. A more formal term for biological reproduction.
- Economic & Investment Growth:
- 殖産 (shokusan) — industrial promotion, increase of production. As in 殖産興業 (shokusan kōgyō - encouragement of new industry, one of the Meiji government's slogans).
- 殖利 (shokuri) — increasing profits, making money.
- 殖財 (shokuzai) — increasing wealth, accumulating assets.
- 資産を殖やす (しさんをふやす) — to increase one's assets.
- General Increase & Expansion:
- 殖民 (shokumin) — colonization. Historically refers to the establishment of colonies.
- 人口が殖える (じんこうがふえる) — population increases.
- 才能を殖やす (さいのうをふやす) — to cultivate one's talent (less common, usually 増やす).
Example Sentences
最近、投資で貯蓄が着実に殖えている。
Saikin, tōshi de chochiku ga chakujitsu ni fueteiru.
Recently, my savings are steadily increasing through investment.
日本の一部地域では、野生動物が過剰に繁殖して問題となっている。
Nihon no ichibuchiiki dewa, yaseidōbutsu ga kajō ni hanshoku shite mondai to natteiru.
In some areas of Japan, wild animals are over-breeding, causing problems.
この菌は短時間で急速に増殖する能力がある。
Kono kin wa tanjikan de kyūsoku ni zōshoku suru nōryoku ga aru.
This bacterium has the ability to rapidly multiply in a short time.
資産を殖やすためには、計画的な貯蓄と賢明な投資が必要だ。
Shisan o fuyasu tame ni wa, keikakuteki na chochiku to kenmei na tōshi ga hitsuyō da.
To increase assets, planned saving and wise investment are necessary.
水産業では、海老の養殖が盛んに行われている。
Suisangyō dewa, ebi no yōshoku ga sakan ni okonawareteiru.
In the fishing industry, shrimp farming (aquaculture) is actively carried out.
かつて日本は殖産興業を掲げ、近代化を図った。
Katsute Nihon wa shokusan kōgyō o kakage, kindaika o hakatta.
Japan once advocated for industrial promotion and aimed for modernization.
彼は知識を殖やすため、毎日本を読んでいる。
Kare wa chishiki o fuyasu tame, mainichi hon o yondeiru.
He reads books every day to increase his knowledge.
会社の利益を殖やす新しい戦略が求められている。
Kaisha no rieki o fuyasu atarashī senryaku ga motomerareteiru.
New strategies are sought to increase the company's profits.
森林を適切に管理することで、野生生物の生息域が殖える。
Shinrin o tekisetsu ni kanri suru koto de, yaseiseibutsu no seisokuiki ga fueru.
By properly managing forests, the habitat for wild animals will increase.
Memory Tip
To remember 殖, consider its two main components: 歹 (bone/flesh/death) and 直 (straight/direct). Picture a bone (歹) or a piece of flesh directly (直) multiplying and increasing in number. The 'flesh' aspect points to biological growth and reproduction, while 'straight' implies a direct, unhindered increase. Think of it this way: from a small starting point—like a single cell or a seed—things grow 'straight up' and multiply, becoming numerous. This vivid image of direct, organic multiplication can help solidify the meaning of 'increase' or 'propagate' in your mind.