1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “吐” (pronounced “to”) means “to spit” or “to vomit.” It conveys the action of expelling something from the mouth, often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “吐” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which combines a semantic component that suggests the meaning related to “mouth” and a phonetic component that indicates its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “吐” is “口” (kuchi), which means “mouth.” This radical is commonly found in kanji related to actions involving the mouth.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 吐き気 (hakike) – nausea
- 吐く (haku) – to spit or to vomit
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は酔って吐いてしまった。 (Kare wa yotte haite shimatta.) – He got drunk and ended up vomiting.
- この匂いは吐き気を催す。 (Kono nioi wa hakike o moyosu.) – This smell makes me feel nauseous.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 噴 (fun) – to spout or to erupt, which also involves expelling something but is often used in the context of liquids or gases.
Antonyms:
- 飲 (nomu) – to drink, which is the opposite action of taking something into the mouth.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The act of “吐” can be associated with various cultural practices, such as traditional medicine where vomiting is sometimes seen as a way to cleanse the body.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “吐き出す” (hakidasu), meaning “to spit out” or “to express one’s thoughts,” which can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.