1. Kanji Breakdown: 号
Meaning: Number, edition, issue; name, designation; sign, signal.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ゴウ (gou)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): None in common modern use.
The kanji is a simplified form of the traditional character "號". Its structure can be broken down as:
Top (口): This means "mouth," representing speech, sound, or declaration.
Bottom (丂): This component is associated with the concept of "breath" or "airflow."
The core concept is a "declaration from the mouth," which evolved to mean a name, a title, or a number used to identify something—essentially, a "designation." This fundamental idea of naming and labeling extends to its modern meanings of number, issue, and signal.
2. Stroke Order and Writing (5 Strokes)
Correct stroke order is essential for balanced and legible kanji.
Stroke Order Diagram:
Start with the top vertical stroke.
The horizontal stroke.
The left vertical stroke.
The right vertical stroke.
The final horizontal stroke that seals the bottom.
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom.
The top part should be compact.
The final horizontal stroke (stroke 5) is the longest and provides a stable base for the character.
The overall shape should be slightly wider at the bottom, creating a stable structure.
3. Core Meanings & Example Sentences
Here are the primary meanings of "号" with common vocabulary and practical example sentences.
A. Number / Edition (ごう)
番号 (ばんごう, bangou)
Meaning: Number, serial number.
Example: 電話番号を教えてください。
English: Please tell me your phone number.
号車 (ごうしゃ, gousha)
Meaning: Train car number.
Example: 私は5号車に乗ります。
English: I will board car number 5.
B. Issue / Edition (ごう)
雑誌の号 (ざっしのごう, zasshi no gou)
Meaning: Magazine issue.
Example: この号の表紙はとても綺麗だ。
English: The cover of this issue is very beautiful.
創刊号 (そうかんごう, soukangou)
Meaning: First issue, inaugural edition.
Example: この雑誌の創刊号を探している。
English: I'm looking for the first issue of this magazine.
C. Name / Designation (ごう)
称号 (しょうごう, shougou)
Meaning: Title, name, designation.
Example: 「博士」という称号を得た。
English: I earned the title of "Doctor."
屋号 (やごう, yagou)
Meaning: Trade name, shop name.
Example: その店の屋号は「角屋」です。
English: The trade name of that shop is "Kadoya."
Summary
Kanji: 号
Core Meaning: Number, Edition, Name, Designation.
Keyword: Identification, Labeling.
Readings: On'yomi ゴウ (gou)
Stroke Order: 5 strokes. Structure: Derived from 口 (mouth/declaration).
This character is fundamental for discussing numbers, editions, and names in both everyday and formal contexts. Mastering "号" is essential for navigating transportation, understanding publications, and handling administrative tasks in Japanese.