The kanji 尚 generally conveys the meanings of "still," "yet," "furthermore," "esteem," "value," or "moreover." It suggests a continuation or extension of a state or action, or it can imply a sense of appreciation or respect. It can also indicate a high degree or level.

・On-yomi (音読み): ショウ (shou) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): なお (nao)

⚫︎なおさら Translation: Even more; all the more. ⚫︎尚早 (shousou) Translation: Premature; too early. ⚫︎尚且つ (nao katsu) Translation: Furthermore; in addition; moreover.

The kanji 尚 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). The top part is similar to the character for "small" (小), and the bottom part is related to "to adorn" (⺼). The original meaning of 尚 could have been related to the practice of adorning or improving something, which then evolved to express the sense of "esteem" or "value." It could also mean "furthermore" (continuation of something). Its form has changed over time, but the core meaning of valuing or continuing something remains.