Japanese with Manga

Topics and assigned problems with

題 means a topic or assigned problem. It appears in words for conversation topics, agenda items, and assignments.

Etymology

題 is a phono-semantic compound made from 頁 and 是 as the sound-bearing element. The original meaning was forehead. The forehead being the most prominent part of the head, it extended in meaning to the front of somethig, a label or sign, and the title or subject that heads a discussion.

Assignments

(Homework)

宿題(しゅくだい) means homework or another assigned task to be completed later. It usually refers to schoolwork done outside class, but it can also mean unfinished business.

It combines 宿 (remain lodged) with 題 (topic) to show an assignment topic carried away to work on.

Manga panel from あずまんが大王 showing example of Forgotten homework with 宿題.
あずまんが大王 » Volume 1年生 » Page 9

Tomo stands from her desk and raises her hand.

とも:
「先生(せんせい)　宿題(しゅくだい)忘(わす)れました！だから廊下(ろうか)に立(た)ちます！」
“Teacher, I forgot my homework! So I'll stand in the hall!”
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Topics

(Subject matter)

題材(だいざい) means the subject matter or theme chosen for a creative work or study.

It combines 題 (topic) with 材 (material) to show subject matter used as material.

Manga panel from ああっ女神さまっ showing example of Additionally, I'm happier having girls here with それに〜.
ああっ女神さまっ » Volume 2 » Page 75

Kei’ichi is excited to spend four days at the beach with his university automobile club and Belldandy. His mood changes when he hears Sayoko call out to him.

螢一(けいいち):
「田宮(たみや)先輩(せんぱい)まさか美術部(びじゅつぶ)と合同(ごうどう)でやるんじゃないでしょうね」
“Tamiya, don't tell me we're doing this with the art club!”
田宮(たみや):
「ん……ああ。自動車部(じどうしゃぶ)を題材(だいざい)にしたいっていうから……　それに女(おんな)の子(こ)がいた方(ほう)が嬉(うれ)しい…」
“It's because they said they wanted to use the automobile club as a subject... Additionally, I'm happier having girls here.”
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