1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 汚 (pronounced “o” or “kitanai”) means “dirty,” “polluted,” or “unclean.” It is often used to describe something that is not clean or is tainted in some way.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 汚 is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the water radical 氵 (which indicates something related to water) with the character 可, which can imply “able” or “possible.” This combination suggests the idea of something being dirty or unclean in relation to water.
Radical: The radical for 汚 is 氵, which is commonly associated with water-related meanings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 汚 are:
- 汚い (kitanai) – dirty
- 汚染 (osen) – pollution
- 汚職 (oshoku) – corruption
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この部屋はとても汚いです。 (This room is very dirty.)
- 川が汚染されています。 (The river is polluted.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is 汚れ (yogore), which means “dirt” or “stain.” The difference is that 汚れ refers more to the state of being dirty, while 汚 can describe the action or quality of being dirty.
Antonyms: A kanji with an opposite meaning is 清 (sei), which means “clean” or “pure.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of cleanliness is significant in Japanese culture, where purity and cleanliness are often associated with spiritual and physical well-being. The kanji 汚 is often used in contexts discussing hygiene and environmental issues.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is 汚名返上 (omei henjō), which means “to clear one’s name” or “to redeem oneself from a bad reputation.” This reflects the cultural importance of maintaining a good reputation and the negative connotations associated with being “汚” (dirty) in a moral sense.