The Kanji: 招 (Shō / Mane)
The kanji 招 means "to invite," "to beckon," or "to cause." It combines 扌 (hand) with 召 (summon), originally depicting the gesture of beckoning someone with a hand. This character represents both welcoming gestures and consequential actions.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 招く (maneku) - To invite
パーティーに友達を招く。
"Invite friends to a party."
2. 招待 (shōtai) - Invitation
結婚式の招待状を受け取る。
"Receive a wedding invitation."
3. 招集 (shōshū) - Convocation
緊急会議を招集する。
"Convoke an emergency meeting."
4. 招き猫 (maneki-neko) - Beckoning cat
店先に招き猫が置いてある。
"A beckoning cat is placed in front of the store."
In summary, 招 describes inviting actions - from personal invitations (招く, 招待) and official gatherings (招集) to cultural symbols (招き猫). It embodies both literal and figurative summoning in Japanese culture.