Meaning
The kanji 床 primarily means 'floor' or 'bed,' but its meaning also extends to concepts like a platform, a counter for beds, or even padding. This versatility reflects the many surfaces people and objects rest or are supported upon. 床 is a 形声文字 (phonetic-semantic character). Its visual components, however, also offer strong clues to its meaning.
It is composed of two main parts: the radical 广, which represents a 'cliff,' 'shelter,' or 'house,' and 木, meaning 'tree' or 'wood.' Historically, beds and platforms were often made of wood and placed inside dwellings or under shelters. This combination vividly illustrates the idea of a wooden surface or structure found within a protected space, serving as a floor or a place for rest. The character effectively merges the notion of an enclosed space (广) with a foundational material (木).
The kanji 床 has 7 strokes and is classified as a Jōyō kanji, typically learned around the 8th grade in the Japanese education system. It's also an essential character for those studying for the JLPT N2 level, appearing in a wide range of common vocabulary and expressions. Its simple, yet evocative, structure makes it relatively easy to recognize and recall, especially when considering its elemental components.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 床 is ショウ (shō). You'll frequently encounter this reading in compound words, where it often carries a more formal or specific nuance related to beds, platforms, or particular types of floors. This is especially true in medical or technical contexts, reflecting the historical influence of Chinese pronunciation on the Japanese language.
- 病床 (byōshō) — sickbed, hospital bed
- 起床 (kishō) — getting out of bed, rising (e.g., 朝起床する - to get up in the morning)
- 温床 (onshō) — hotbed (for plants), breeding ground (figurative, e.g., 犯罪の温床 - a hotbed of crime)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) for 床 are ゆか (yuka) and とこ (toko). These readings are used when the kanji appears alone or in combination with Okurigana (送り仮名), directly linking it to indigenous Japanese words and concepts. ゆか (yuka) is the more common reading, broadly referring to a 'floor,' like the wooden floor in a house. On the other hand, とこ (toko) often refers specifically to a 'bed,' an 'alcove,' or a 'sleeping place,' sometimes with a more traditional or rustic feel, such as a futon on the floor.
- 床 (yuka) — floor (e.g., 床を掃除する - to clean the floor)
- 床屋 (tokoya) — barbershop
- 寝床 (nedoko) — bed, sleeping place (e.g., 寝床に入る - to go to bed)
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 床 forms many common words and compounds in Japanese, encompassing its core meanings of 'floor' and 'bed,' as well as related concepts like platforms and bases. These words are categorized below to show the kanji's diverse applications.
Everyday Life & Household
- 床 (yuka) — floor
- 床の間 (tokonoma) — alcove (in a Japanese-style room), typically for displaying art or flowers
- 床下 (yukashita) — under the floor (e.g., 床下収納 - under-floor storage)
- 床屋 (tokoya) — barbershop
- 寝床 (nedoko) — bed, sleeping place
Medical & Health
- 病床 (byōshō) — sickbed, hospital bed
- 起床 (kishō) — getting out of bed, rising
Nature & Environment
- 川床 (kawadoko) — riverbed
- 河床 (kashō) — riverbed (used more formally or geographically)
Figurative & Abstract
- 温床 (onshō) — hotbed (for plants), breeding ground (figurative)
- 土俵 (dohyō) — sumo ring (literally 'earthen bed,' the raised ring where sumo wrestlers compete)
Example Sentences
床に座って本を読みました。
Yuka ni suwatte hon o yomimashita.
I sat on the floor and read a book.
病院で病床が足りません。
Byōshō ga tarimasen.
There aren't enough hospital beds at the hospital.
朝早く起床して散歩に出かけました。
Asa hayaku kishō shite sanpo ni dekakemashita.
I got out of bed early in the morning and went for a walk.
日本の伝統的な床の間は美しいです。
Nihon no dentō-teki na tokonoma wa utsukushii desu.
Japan's traditional alcove (tokonoma) is beautiful.
この地域は犯罪の温床となっています。
Kono chiiki wa hanzai no onshō to natte imasu.
This area has become a hotbed of crime.
家具を動かすために床を保護しました。
Kagu o ugokasu tame ni yuka o hogo shimashita.
I protected the floor to move the furniture.
子供は寝床に入るとすぐに眠りました。
Kodomo wa nedoko ni hairu to sugu ni nemurimashita.
The child fell asleep as soon as they got into bed.
床屋で髪を切ってもらいました。
Tokoya de kami o kitte moraimashita.
I had my hair cut at the barbershop.
大雨で川床が削られました。
Ōame de kawadoko ga kezura remashita.
The riverbed was eroded by heavy rain.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 床, try visualizing its components. The top radical, 广, resembles a house or a shelter, perhaps a roof over an empty space. Below it is 木, representing a tree or wood. Imagine yourself inside a traditional Japanese house where the floor is made of wood, or picture a simple wooden bed placed under a roof. This image directly connects the 'shelter' (广) with the 'wooden structure' (木) that forms a 'floor' or 'bed.' Think of it as 'wood under a roof makes a floor or bed.' This simple visual mnemonic helps encapsulate the kanji's essence, making it easier to recall its primary meanings.