The Kanji: 趣 (Shu / Omo)
The kanji 趣 (read as shu or omo) conveys the nuanced meanings of "gist," "charm," "elegant taste," or the "distinct character" of something. It combines the radical for "walking" (走) with "to take" (取), suggesting the idea of proceeding toward or grasping the essential character or appeal of a matter.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 趣 (omomuki)
Meaning: Atmosphere; taste; elegance.
Example Sentence: この庭は独特の趣がある。
(Kono niwa wa dokutoku no omomuki ga aru.)
"This garden has a unique charm."
2. 趣味 (shumi)
Meaning: Hobby; pastime.
Example Sentence: 私の趣味は写真です。
(Watashi no shumi wa shashin desu.)
"My hobby is photography."
3. 趣向 (shukō)
Meaning: Idea; plan; tasteful design.
Example Sentence: 彼はパーティーの趣向を凝らした。
(Kare wa pātī no shukō o kora shita.)
"He put a lot of inventive ideas into the party."
4. 趣旨 (shushi)
Meaning: Purpose; main idea; gist.
Example Sentence: 手紙の趣旨をまとめてください。
(Tegami no shushi o matomete kudasai.)
"Please summarize the main point of the letter."
In summary, 趣 is a kanji that describes the distinctive character or appeal of something, ranging from aesthetic charm (趣) and personal interests (趣味) to the core purpose of a matter (趣旨).