Meaning
The kanji 猶 (yū, nao) is a versatile character that primarily conveys the meanings of "still," "yet," "furthermore," "moreover," "even more so," and "as if" or "like." Its core sense revolves around continuation, comparison, or emphasis despite existing circumstances. Understanding its etymology helps clarify these nuances.
猶 is a phonosemantic compound. The left radical, 犭 (けものへん, kemono-hen), is a variant of 犬 (いぬ, dog), clearly depicting an animal. The right component, 酋 (しゅう, chief or leader; also fermented liquor that has been aged for a long time), serves as the phonetic element, giving the character its sound.
While 酋 typically refers to a leader or aged alcohol, its presence here subtly suggests something remaining or persisting over an extended period—much like the lingering quality of aged liquor. The combination of "dog" and "chief/lingering" evokes the image of a loyal dog that still stays by its master's side, or a quality that still endures. This imagery eventually evolved to denote persistence, additional emphasis, or similarity.
This kanji is an important part of advanced Japanese vocabulary, frequently appearing in literary contexts or whenever a strong nuance of continuation or comparison is required. It has 12 strokes and is a Jōyō Kanji (common-use kanji), typically introduced at the secondary school level, making it essential for JLPT N1 proficiency.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main on'yomi reading for 猶 is ユウ (YŪ). This reading is generally found in more formal, literary, or technical compound words. It often carries the meaning of 'still,' 'yet,' or 'as if' in a more abstract or emphatic way than its kun'yomi counterpart.
- 猶予 (yūyo) — postponement; grace period; respite. This compound literally means to "still wait" or "still allow," granting extra time before an action. For example, a bank might grant a 返済猶予 (hensai yūyo), a grace period for loan repayment.
- 猶如 (yūjo) — like; as if; similar to. This term is often used in formal or poetic language to draw a strong comparison. It emphasizes profound resemblance, as in 「彼の悲しみは猶如深い海のようだ」 (Kare no kanashimi wa yūjo fukai umi no yō da), meaning "His sorrow was as if a deep sea."
- 猶存 (yūson) — still existing; still remaining. This is a literary term that highlights the continued existence or presence of something, often despite challenges or the passage of time. For instance, 古代の文化が今も猶存している (Kodai no bunka ga ima mo yūson shite iru) refers to ancient culture still existing today.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The most common kun'yomi reading for 猶 is なお (nao). This reading is incredibly versatile and widely used in everyday Japanese, functioning as an adverb or conjunction. It expresses various nuances, including "still," "yet," "furthermore," "even more," "moreover," "in addition," "nevertheless," and "all the more."
While 尚 (shō, nao) is commonly used for some of these meanings in modern Japanese (e.g., 尚更, 尚且つ), 猶 maintains its specific usage in certain expressions. It often carries a slightly more literary or emphatic feel when used as nao itself, especially when implying continuation despite an obstacle.
- 猶 (nao) — still; yet; furthermore; more. Used standalone as an adverb to emphasize continuity or add further information. For example, 「猶、考える必要がある」 (Nao, kangaeru hitsuyō ga aru) means "Furthermore, there is a need to think more deeply."
- 猶更 (naosara) — all the more; still more; even more. This term intensifies a condition or degree. While 尚更 is overwhelmingly more common in modern writing, 猶更 also exists and carries the same meaning, often with a slightly more classical or emphatic tone.
- 猶…だ (nao... da) — it's still... This structure emphasizes that a state or condition continues. For instance, 「彼は猶若い」 (Kare wa nao wakai) means "He is still young (despite his age/experience)."
Common Words & Compounds
Here are several common words and compounds featuring the kanji 猶, illustrating its diverse applications:
Continuation & Persistence:
猶予 (yūyo) — Postponement; grace period; respite.
猶存 (yūson) — Still existing; still remaining (often in a literary or historical context).
猶も (nao mo) — Still; yet; furthermore (an emphasized form of 猶, often implying persistence against odds).
Comparison & Similarity:
猶如 (yūjo) — Like; as if; similar to (used formally or poetically, stressing strong resemblance).
猶然 (yūzen) — As if; like; still (an adverbial expression often found in classical texts, describing a state of being).
Emphasis & Addition:
猶更 (naosara) — All the more; still more; even more (more commonly written as 尚更 in contemporary Japanese).
猶且つ (naokatsu) — Still more; yet; furthermore; moreover (more commonly written as 尚且つ).
Specific & Historical Uses:
猶太 (Yudaya) — Judea; Jewish (an ateji, or phonetic kanji approximation, for "Juda").
猶子 (yūshi) — Nephew; niece (specifically, a child of one's sibling who is still considered part of the direct family lineage in traditional contexts).
猶親 (yūshin) — Relatives; kinsfolk (a more literary term for family members who are 'still' close or connected).
猶原 (Naohara) — A common Japanese surname.
Example Sentences
まだ、猶やるべきことがたくさんある。
Mada, nao yaru beki koto ga takusan aru.
There are still many things that need to be done.
彼女は失敗したが、猶も諦めなかった。
Kanojo wa shippai shita ga, nao mo akiramenakatta.
Although she failed, she still didn't give up.
裁判所は彼に支払いの猶予を与えた。
Saibansho wa kare ni shiharai no yūyo o ataeta.
The court granted him a grace period for payment.
古代の記録は現代にも猶存している。
Kodai no kiroku wa gendai ni mo yūson shite iru.
Ancient records still exist even today.
彼の態度は猶然として変わらなかった。
Kare no taido wa yūzen to shite kawaranakatta.
His attitude remained unchanged, as if nothing had happened.
努力すれば、尚更良い結果が出るだろう。
Doryoku sureba, naosara yoi kekka ga deru darō.
If you make an effort, you'll get even better results.
まるで夢の中にいる猶如だった。
Marude yume no naka ni iru yūjo datta.
It was as if I were in a dream.
状況は厳しいが、猶、希望を捨ててはならない。
Jōkyō wa kibishii ga, nao, kibō o sutete wa naranai.
Although the situation is severe, we must still not give up hope.
猶太教は世界で最も古い宗教の一つである。
Yudayakyō wa sekai de mottomo furui shūkyō no hitotsu de aru.
Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world.
彼は風邪気味だが、猶仕事に行った。
Kare wa kazegimi da ga, nao shigoto ni itta.
Although he had a slight cold, he still went to work.
Memory Tip
To remember 猶, visualize its components: the left side is 犭 (kemono-hen), which is the "dog" radical. The right side is 酋 (shū), meaning "chief" or referring to aged liquor. Combine these by imagining a loyal dog (犭) that still waits faithfully for its chief (酋) to return. Or, perhaps picture a dog that still sniffs an empty bottle of liquor (酋), hoping for a last drop. The key idea here is "still" or "remaining," which connects these visual elements to the kanji's core meaning of continuance and persistence.