1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “苛” (ka) generally means “harsh,” “severe,” or “cruel.” It conveys a sense of strictness or intensity, often in a negative context.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “苛” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which combines a semantic component related to plants (the “艹” radical) and a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “苛” is “艹” (grass), which is commonly associated with plants and vegetation.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: “苛立つ” (karadatsu) means “to be irritated” or “to be annoyed.” Another example is “苛酷” (kakoku), which means “harsh” or “severe.”
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation: “彼の苛立ちがわかる。” (Kare no karadachi ga wakaru.) translates to “I understand his irritation.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: “厳” (gen) also means “strict” or “severe,” but it often carries a more formal or authoritative connotation. In contrast, “苛” tends to imply a more personal or emotional harshness.
Opposite Kanji: “優” (yuu) means “gentle” or “kind,” representing a softer, more compassionate approach.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “苛” is often used in literature and expressions that describe strictness or harshness in various contexts, including education and discipline.
Proverbs and Idioms: An example of a related idiom is “苛烈な競争” (karetsu na kyousou), meaning “fierce competition,” which reflects the competitive nature of certain aspects of Japanese society.