Meaning
The kanji 珠 (シュ, tama) primarily means 'pearl,' 'bead,' or 'gem.' It evokes images of small, round, precious objects. Its visual structure offers a clear glimpse into its meaning.
The left-hand radical is 玉 (gyoku), which means 'jewel' or 'jade.' This semantic component immediately categorizes 珠 as something precious and gem-like. The right-hand component is 朱 (shu), meaning 'vermilion' or 'red.' While 朱 frequently serves as a phonetic component, signaling the 'shu' sound, it also holds an older connotation. This includes the idea of something round and red, or even something precious in its own right, such as cinnabar.
Thus, 珠 can be understood as a 'jewel (玉) that is like vermilion (朱),' signifying a round, precious object. This etymology perfectly captures the essence of a pearl or a bead: typically round and valued for their beauty.
The kanji 珠 is composed of 10 strokes. While it is not assigned a specific grade level within the elementary school curriculum (grades 1-6) in Japan, it is a Joyo Kanji, meaning it is officially designated for daily use. Learners typically encounter it during secondary school or when preparing for advanced Japanese proficiency tests like the JLPT N1. This reflects its slightly higher level of complexity and less frequent general usage compared to elementary-grade kanji.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi reading of 珠 is シュ (SHU). This reading is derived from Chinese and is predominantly used when 珠 forms part of a compound word, often in more formal or specific contexts relating to precious items, calculations, or religious objects.
- 真珠 (shinju) — This is perhaps the most common compound, meaning 'pearl' (literally 'true gem'). It refers to a natural or cultured pearl, highly valued in jewelry.
- 数珠 (juzu) — Meaning 'Buddhist rosary' or 'prayer beads.' These are strings of beads used by Buddhists for counting prayers or mantras.
- 珠玉 (shugyoku) — This compound translates to 'gem,' 'jewel,' or 'masterpiece.' It refers to something exceptionally precious or of high quality, combining 珠 (pearl) and 玉 (jewel/jade).
- 珠算 (shuzan) — Refers to 'abacus calculation.' Here, 珠 signifies the beads of the abacus (算盤 - soroban) used for calculations.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary kun'yomi reading for 珠 is たま (tama). This native Japanese reading is used when 珠 appears as a standalone noun or in certain native compounds. While 玉 (tama) is a more general term for 'ball,' 'sphere,' or 'jewel,' 珠 (tama) specifically emphasizes preciousness or a spherical, bead-like quality. It often implies a pearl or a precious bead, rather than just any round object.
- 珠 (tama) — When used alone, it can refer to a 'pearl' or a 'bead,' particularly in a precious or figurative sense.
- 珠の汗 (tama no ase) — This poetic expression means 'beads of sweat.' It likens individual drops of sweat to small, round pearls.
- 珠の緒 (tama no o) — A more archaic or poetic term meaning 'string of pearls/beads.' Figuratively, it can also refer to life itself, as pearls are strung together to form a precious chain.
Common Words & Compounds
To truly master 珠, it's essential to understand its use in context. Below are several common words and compounds, categorized by theme:
Precious Items & Gems
- 真珠 (shinju) — Pearl (the most common use of 珠).
- 珠玉 (shugyoku) — Gem, jewel, masterpiece. Often used metaphorically for high-quality works of art or literature.
- 夜光珠 (yakōju) — Luminous pearl, night-shining pearl.
- 珠 (tama) — Pearl, bead (as a standalone word).
Calculations & Tools
- 珠算 (shuzan) — Abacus calculation. A traditional method of arithmetic.
- 算盤珠 (sorobantama) — Abacus bead. The individual beads used on an abacus.
Figurative & Poetic Expressions
- 涙珠 (ruiju) — Tear drop (literally 'tear pearl'). A poetic way to refer to tears.
- 珠玉の言葉 (shugyoku no kotoba) — Precious words, gem-like words. Words of great value or wisdom.
- 珠の汗 (tama no ase) — Beads of sweat.
- 珠の緒 (tama no o) — String of pearls/beads; figuratively, life.
Place Names
- 珠洲 (Suzu) — A city located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Kanji are often used phonetically in place names.
Example Sentences
彼女は美しい真珠のネックレスを身につけていた。
Kanojo wa utsukushii shinju no nekkuresu o minitsukete ita.
She was wearing a beautiful pearl necklace.
その作家の長編小説は、まさに珠玉の作品だ。
Sono sakka no chōhen shōsetsu wa, masa ni shugyoku no sakuhin da.
That author's long novel is truly a masterpiece.
試験中、彼の額には汗の珠が光っていた。
Shikenchū, kare no hitai ni wa ase no tama ga hikatte ita.
During the exam, beads of sweat glistened on his forehead.
仏教徒は祈りを捧げる際に数珠を用いる。
Bukkyōto wa inori o sasageru sai ni juzu o mochiiru.
Buddhists use rosary beads when offering prayers.
この美術館には世界中から集められた珠玉の芸術品が展示されている。
Kono bijutsukan ni wa sekaijū kara atsumerareta shugyoku no geijutsuhin ga tenji sarete iru.
This art museum exhibits gem-like artworks collected from all over the world.
彼女の目から大粒の涙珠が、はらはらとこぼれ落ちた。
Kanojo no me kara ōtsubu no ruiju ga, harahara to koboreochita.
Large tear drops fell gently from her eyes.
伝統的な珠算は、子供たちの集中力を高めるのに有効だ。
Dentōteki na shuzan wa, kodomotachi no shūchūryoku o takameru no ni yūkō da.
Traditional abacus calculation is effective in enhancing children's concentration.
彼はそのテーマに関して知識の珠を惜しみなく披露した。
Kare wa sono tēma ni kanshite chishiki no tama o oshiminaku hirō shita.
He generously displayed pearls of knowledge regarding that theme.
その古い宝飾品店には、珍しい真珠や貴石の珠が並んでいた。
Sono furui hōshokuhinten ni wa, mezurashii shinju ya kiseki no tama ga narande ita.
Rare pearls and precious gem beads were displayed in that old jewelry store.
人生は、困難を乗り越えて磨かれる珠のように美しい。
Jinsei wa, konnan o norikoete migakareru tama no yō ni utsukushii.
Life is beautiful, like a pearl polished by overcoming difficulties.
Memory Tip
To remember 珠, focus on its components: 玉 (jewel/jade) and 朱 (vermilion/red). Imagine a 'jewel' (玉) that is specifically 'red' (朱) and perfectly round – this is your precious 'pearl' or 'bead.' You can picture a magnificent collection of 'red' (朱) 'jewels' (玉), each one a perfect 'pearl' (珠). This vivid image directly links the meaning to its visual form, making it easier to remember.