記号|きごうkigou[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounsign; symbol; mark
   ＆という記号きごうは、ａｎｄを指さす。↗

   The sign '&' stands for 'and'.

• Synonym符号ふごうNeutralSigns or codes systematically devised to convey information, especially plus and minus signs; 「記号」 is the broader term covering all kinds of meaning-bearing symbols.
• SynonymシンボルNeutralLoanword mostly for an emblem or symbol of something, as in 「平和のシンボル」; it stresses what it stands for, while 「記号」 stresses the function of conveying meaning.
• SynonymマークNeutralLoanword for marks, logos and trademarks, as in 「チェックマーク」; common in colloquial speech, while 「記号」 is the broader, more general word.
• SynonymしるしNeutralA mark you make or leave on something, as in 「印をつける」; also proof or an omen. 「記号」 leans toward conventional symbols with agreed meanings.
• Synonym符丁ふちょうWrittenWritten word for secret price marks on goods or jargon and passwords known only to insiders; 「記号」 is a general term for agreed symbols of meaning, secret or not.
• Synonym表号ひょうごうWrittenWritten word for a symbolic emblem, rare in modern usage; in everyday contexts say 「記号」 or 「シンボル」 instead.
• RelatedしるしNeutralA mark you make or leave on something, as in 「印をつける」; also proof or an omen. 「記号」 leans toward conventional symbols with agreed meanings.
• Related信号しんごうNeutralSignals conveying information in real time via light, sound or movement; also traffic lights. 「記号」 is about the symbol itself standing for a meaning.
• Related紋章もんしょうWrittenWritten word for crests and coats of arms of nations, families or institutions; essentially a design. 「記号」 covers meaning-bearing symbols of any kind, not just emblems.
• Related象徴しょうちょうWrittenA concrete thing that represents an abstract idea, as in 「平和の象徴」; more at home in formal writing, while 「記号」 stresses conventional, meaning-bearing symbols.
• Related表象ひょうしょうWrittenWritten term for the image or form something presents outwardly; also used in psychology and philosophy. It differs greatly from everyday 「記号」.
• Related標ひょうWrittenWritten and rare as a word on its own: a mark or target. Mostly seen inside compounds such as 「標識」 and 「目標」; it does not mean a conventional symbol like 「記号」.

For graphic or written symbols that carry meaning, use 「記号」, as in 「化学記号」. For signs like plus and minus, say 「符号」; for marks you make, 「印」 or 「マーク」; for symbols that stand for something, 「シンボル」 or 「象徴」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 分わかりやすい図柄ずがらや文字もじの略記りゃっき的てきな組み合くみあわせなどによって、事柄ことがらの持もつ意味いみなどを図ずのように簡潔かんけつに表あらわしたもの。
2. なんらかの対象たいしょうを人ひとに喚起かんきさせ、そのことにより対象たいしょうを表象ひょうしょうするもの。