Meaning
The kanji 像 (zō) primarily conveys the meaning of an image, figure, portrait, or statue. It refers to any representation or likeness of something, from a physical sculpture or photograph to a video or even a mental impression. This kanji is essential for discussing visual representations in various contexts across Japanese.
Let's look at its origin. The kanji 像 is a phono-semantic compound. Its left-hand radical, 人 (にんべん / ninben), is the 'person' radical, indicating the kanji's connection to humans or human-like forms. On the right, we have 象 (ショウ / shō, ゾウ / zō), meaning 'elephant' or 'phenomenon'.
Within this compound, 象 plays a dual role: it provides the 'zō' sound phonetically and contributes semantically. Originally, 象 was a pictograph of an elephant, but its meaning evolved to encompass any distinct form or image. So, 像 combines 'person' (人) with 'likeness' or 'image' (象) to initially represent a 'person's image' or 'statue.' Over time, its meaning expanded to include any kind of representation.
The visual structure of 像 reinforces its meaning: a human form (亻) creating or perceiving a representation (象). This 14-stroke Jouyou kanji is typically taught in secondary school (JLPT N2 level), making it a valuable character for those learning advanced Japanese.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 像 is ゾウ (ZOU). This is by far the most common reading, appearing in almost all compound words involving this kanji. It directly reflects the Chinese-derived meanings of 'image' or 'statue'.
- 画像 (gazō) — Refers to a general image, photograph, or digital image. This is a crucial word in modern Japanese, especially when discussing digital media.
Example: 携帯で画像を送る。(To send an image via cell phone.)
- 映像 (eizō) — Denotes video, film, or a projected image. It often refers to moving images or reflections.
Example: 会議で映像を使った。(Used video footage in the meeting.)
- 肖像 (shōzō) — Specifically refers to a portrait, an artistic representation of a person's face or figure, typically painted or photographed.
Example: 彼は自分の肖像を描かせた。(He had his portrait painted.)
- 仏像 (butsuzō) — A Buddha statue, a common and important sight in temples across Japan.
Example: 古い仏像を見学した。(Visited an ancient Buddha statue.)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi reading for 像 is かたどる (katadoru). This verb means "to model after," "to pattern after," "to imitate," or "to represent." It's important to note that while 像る is a valid way to write this verb, it is less common than 象る, which uses the simpler 象 kanji with the exact same meaning. Nevertheless, for the specific kanji 像, かたどる is indeed its associated native Japanese reading.
- 像る (katadoru) — To model after, to imitate, to represent, or to make a likeness of.
Example: 神々の姿を像って作られた像。(A statue made in the likeness of the gods.)
- 原型を像る (genkei o katadoru) — To model after an original form or prototype.
Example: 彼は粘土で動物の原型を像った。(He modeled the animal's original form in clay.)
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 像 appears in numerous compounds, predominantly using its On'yomi reading ゾウ. These compounds consistently reflect its core meanings of image and statue and can be broadly categorized into terms for visual media and physical representations.
Visual Media & Representations
画像 (gazō) — Digital image, photograph, or graphic. This is a crucial word in the age of digital media, frequently encountered in daily life.
映像 (eizō) — Video footage, moving images, or a reflection. It's used for film, TV, and any projected visuals.
肖像 (shōzō) — A portrait. This refers to an artistic depiction of a person, especially their face.
実像 (jitsuzō) — Real image (e.g., in optics), true likeness, or actual state. This term often contrasts with an illusion.
虚像 (kyozō) — Virtual image (e.g., in optics), false image, or illusion. It's often used metaphorically to describe a distorted perception.
Statues & Sculptures
仏像 (butsuzō) — A Buddha statue. These are central elements in Buddhist art and worship, found in temples throughout Japan.
銅像 (dōzō) — A bronze statue. Such statues are common for commemorating historical figures or significant events.
石像 (sekizō) — A stone statue. These are durable and frequently found in ancient ruins or traditional gardens.
塑像 (sozō) — A clay figure or sculpture made of clay. Often used for models or as preliminary stages for larger works.
彫像 (chōzō) — A carved statue or sculpture. This is a general term for statues created by carving.
等身大の像 (tōshindai no zō) — A life-sized statue. This phrase emphasizes the realistic scale of the representation.
偶像 (gūzō) — An idol, meaning an image or representation of a god or a person worshipped as such. It can also refer to a celebrity idol.
立像 (ritsuzō) — A standing statue. This term describes the posture of the figure.
坐像 (zazō) — A seated statue. Like 立像, this describes the posture of the figure and is often seen in Buddha statues.
Example Sentences
公園には大きな像があります。
Kōen ni wa ōkina zō ga arimasu.
There is a large statue in the park.
新しいカメラで美しい画像が撮れました。
Atarashii kamera de utsukushii gazō ga toremashita.
I was able to take beautiful images with my new camera.
博物館で古い仏像を見ました。
Hakubutsukan de furui butsuzō o mimashita.
I saw an ancient Buddha statue at the museum.
彼の肖像は非常に特徴を捉えています。
Kare no shōzō wa hijō ni tokuchō o toraeteimasu.
His portrait captures his features very well.
映画の映像は観客に深い感動を与えました。
Eiga no eizō wa kankyaku ni fukai kandō o ataemashita.
The movie's footage deeply moved the audience.
この石像は約500年前に作られたものです。
Kono sekizō wa yaku gohyaku-nen mae ni tsukurareta mono desu.
This stone statue was made about 500 years ago.
等身大の銅像が駅前に建立されました。
Tōshindai no dōzō ga ekimae ni konryū saremashita.
A life-sized bronze statue was erected in front of the station.
現実と見紛うような仮想の像をVRで体験できます。
Genjitsu to mimagō yō na kasō no zō o VR de taiken dekimasu.
You can experience virtual images that are almost indistinguishable from reality using VR.
歴史的な人物を像って作られた作品です。
Rekishiteki na jinbutsu o katadotte tsukurareta sakuhin desu.
It is a work modeled after a historical figure.
メディアが作り出す虚像に惑わされず、本質を見抜く目が大切です。
Media ga tsukuridasu kyozō ni madowasarezu, honshitsu o minuku me ga taisetsu desu.
It's crucial to look beyond the false images created by the media and discern the true essence.
Memory Tip
To easily remember the kanji 像, focus on its components. The left side is 亻 (にんべん / ninben), the 'person' radical. The right side is 象 (ゾウ / zō), which means 'elephant' but also conveys 'image' or 'form'.
Picture a skilled artist creating a statue or image of a majestic elephant for a person. The ninben reminds us that the representation is often for or of people. Meanwhile, 象 not only provides the 'zō' sound but also hints at the concept of a distinct, recognizable 'form' or 'likeness,' much like an elephant's unique appearance.