1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “臓” (zō) refers to internal organs, particularly those related to the digestive system, such as the liver, heart, and lungs. It is often used in medical contexts and discussions about health.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “臓” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “flesh” (肉) on the left, indicating its relation to the body, with the phonetic component “蔵” (zō), which means “to store” or “to hide.” This reflects the idea of organs being hidden within the body.
Radical: The radical for “臓” is 肉 (niku), which signifies flesh or meat, emphasizing its connection to the physical body.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 内臓 (naizō) – internal organs
- 心臓 (shinzō) – heart
- 肝臓 (kanzō) – liver
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は心臓の病気を持っています。 (Kare wa shinzō no byōki o motteimasu.) – He has a heart disease.
- 内臓を健康に保つために、バランスの取れた食事が大切です。 (Naizō o kenkō ni tamotsu tame ni, baransu no toreta shokuji ga taisetsu desu.) – A balanced diet is important for keeping internal organs healthy.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 器官 (kikan) – organ (referring to any organ in the body, not just internal ones)
- 肉体 (nikutai) – physical body (broader term encompassing all flesh)
Antonyms:
- 外部 (gaibu) – external (referring to the outside of the body)
- 表面 (hyōmen) – surface (the outer layer of something)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “臓” is significant in traditional Japanese medicine, where the balance of internal organs is believed to affect overall health. Understanding these organs is crucial in practices like acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 肝に銘じる (kan ni meiji ru) – to engrave in one’s liver (to remember something deeply)
- 心臓に悪い (shinzō ni warui) – bad for the heart (used to describe something stressful or upsetting)