Translation and Meaning of: 号 - gou

The Japanese word 号[ごう] is a versatile term and is frequently used in everyday life in Japan. If you have ever wondered about its meaning, origin, or how to apply it in sentences, this article will clarify those doubts. Here, we will explore everything from the basics to cultural curiosities, all based on reliable sources and verified information. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, has gathered the most relevant details to help students and curious individuals understand this word in a practical way.

Meaning and common uses of 号

The term 号[ごう] has multiple meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. One of the most common uses is as a suffix to indicate numbers in series, such as in trains (列車番号) or buildings (3号館). It also appears in the names of ships, airplanes, and even in magazine titles, always reinforcing the idea of ordering or classification.

In addition, 号 can be found in expressions such as 信号[しんごう] (traffic light) or 番号[ばんごう] (number), showing its usefulness in the formation of compound words. This flexibility makes it an essential word for those studying Japanese, especially in situations involving identification or organization.

Origin and evolution of the kanji 号

The kanji 号 has its origins in ancient Chinese, where it was used to represent loud sounds or shouts. Over time, its meaning expanded to include notions of designation and marking, reflecting the evolution of written language. The combination of the radicals 口 (mouth) and 丂 (blow) suggests a connection with communication or announcement, something that still resonates in some of its modern uses.

In Japan, the character has been incorporated into the writing system with subtle adaptations, maintaining its function of indicating order or classification. Although it is not one of the more complex kanjis, its presence in everyday makes it relevant for both beginners and advanced students.

Tips for memorizing and using 号 correctly

An effective way to solidify the meaning of 号 is to associate it with practical situations, such as reading train schedules or identifying buildings. For example, seeing "新幹線のぞみ12号" (Shinkansen Nozomi No. 12) makes it clear that the suffix indicates the number of the train. This type of concrete application helps to internalize the word naturally.

Another tip is to pay attention to compound words that include 号, such as 年号[ねんごう] (era name) or 号外[ごうがい] (extra edition of a newspaper). These examples not only expand vocabulary but also reinforce the notion that 号 is related to identification and categorization systems.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 番号 (bangō) - number
• 番 (ban) - A part of a number, order
• 号数 (gōsū) - Edition or volume number
• 番目 (banme) - Ordinal position
• 号線 (gōsen) - Line (of transport, such as railways)
• 号車 (gōsha) - Carriage (of train)
• 号室 (gōshitsu) - Room number (for identification in buildings)
• 号楼 (gōrō) - Building number (as allocation in complexes)
• 号官 (gōkan) - Official title, government position
• 号令 (gōrei) - Order, decree
• 号召 (gōshō) - Call to action
• 号泣 (gōkyū) - High-pitched crying, compulsive crying
• 号外 (gōgai) - Extra edition (of the newspaper)
• 号砲 (gōhō) - Cannon (number, used in military contexts)
• 号砲を打つ (gōhō o utsu) - Fire a cannon
• 号砲を鳴らす (gōhō o narasu) - Play a cannon
• 号砲を撃つ (gōhō o utsu) - Shoot with a cannon
• 号砲を放つ (gōhō o hanatsu) - Fire a cannon (formal)
• 号砲を放鳴する (gōhō o honnaru suru) - Make the sound of a cannon
• 号砲を放鳴す (gōhō o honnaru suru) - Producing the sound of a cannon (variation)
• 号砲を鳴らす (gōhō o narasu) - Play a cannon (synonym for touch)