The Kanji: 副 (Fuku)
The Japanese kanji 副 (fuku) primarily means "secondary," "assistant," "vice-," "deputy," or "copy." It conveys the idea of something that is attached to a main item, serving as a supplement, a duplicate, or a subordinate counterpart.
The stroke order for writing 副 is important for correct form. It has 11 strokes and follows a logical sequence: start with the top horizontal stroke, then the vertical, then the "field" radical on the left, and finally the right-side radical with the knife/downstroke at the end.
Common Compound Words
副業 (fukugyō): Side job. (Main job = 本業 hongyō).
副社長 (fukushachō): Vice-president (of a company).
副作用 (fukusayō): Side effect. (Main effect = 主作用 shusayō).
副詞 (fukushi): Adverb (a word that "assists" a verb or adjective).
副本 (fukuhon): A duplicate copy (of a document).
Example Sentences
For "Side Job":
Kanji: 彼の副業はデザインです。
Reading: Kare no fukugyō wa dezain desu.
Meaning: His side job is design.
For "Vice-President":
Kanji: 山田さんは副社長になりました。
Reading: Yamada-san wa fukushachō ni narimashita.
Meaning: Mr. Yamada became the vice-president.
For "Side Effect":
Kanji: この薬は副作用が少ない。
Reading: Kono kusuri wa fukusayō ga sukunai.
Meaning: This medicine has few side effects.
In short, whenever you see 副, think of a secondary, supporting, or additional role to something primary. Mastering its stroke order and usage is key to correct kanji writing.