象

• Reading: ぞう
• Romaji: zou
• Kanji breakdown: 象 (zou/shou) — elephant; also symbol, image
• Pronunciation: /zo.ɯ/

Meaning

Elephant. The large land mammal known for its trunk, tusks, and intelligence.

A noun referring to the animal. Read as ぞう in everyday use. Also has the on'yomi reading しょう used in abstract compounds like 象徴 (shouchou, symbol) and 印象 (inshou, impression), but the standalone word for the animal is always ぞう. A favourite subject in children's songs and zoo visits.

Examples

1. 動物園で象を見るのが楽しみだ。 I'm looking forward to seeing the elephants at the zoo.
2. 象は鼻がとても長い動物です。 An elephant is an animal with a very long trunk.
3. アフリカの象はアジアの象より大きい。 African elephants are bigger than Asian elephants.

Usage Guide

Context: animals, zoo, nature

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 象 is a pictograph depicting an elephant seen from the side, showing its trunk, legs, and body. One of the oldest pictographic characters, originating from ancient Chinese encounters with elephants.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal