残滓

• Reading: ざんし
• Romaji: zanshi
• Kanji breakdown: 残 (zan) — remaining, leftover; 滓 (shi/kasu) — dregs, sediment, residue
• Pronunciation: /za.ɴ.ɕi/

Meaning

Remnant; residue; dregs; vestige. Describes what lingers on after the main substance has gone — traces of a past era, system, or influence.

A literary and academic term used to describe persistent vestiges of something largely dissolved. Unlike 残骸 (physical wreckage), 残滓 often refers to intangible residues — ideological traces, cultural hangovers, psychological remnants. Common in historical and sociological analysis (e.g. 封建制の残滓, vestiges of feudalism). Rarely used in casual speech.

Examples

1. 植民地支配の残滓は、独立から数十年を経た現在も社会の深層に影響を与えている。 The vestiges of colonial rule continue to influence the deep layers of society even decades after independence.
2. 封建的な価値観の残滓が、その組織の意思決定文化に色濃く残っていた。 The residue of feudal values remained deeply embedded in that organisation's decision-making culture.
3. 彼の作品には過去の苦しみの残滓が滲み出ており、読む者の胸を締め付ける。 The dregs of past suffering seep through his works, tightening the chests of those who read them.

Usage Guide

Context: history, sociology, literature, analysis

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound. 残 means remaining, 滓 means dregs or sediment — what sinks to the bottom after liquid is poured off. The image is of impurities left behind, something that persists despite efforts to move forward.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated