1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “痘” (pronounced “tou”) primarily refers to “pock” or “pox,” particularly in the context of diseases like smallpox. It signifies the marks or lesions that appear on the skin due to such illnesses.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “痘” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “skin” (疒) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “痘” is 疒, which relates to diseases and ailments, indicating its connection to health issues.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: “痘” is often found in terms like “水痘” (suito), meaning “chickenpox,” and “天然痘” (tennentou), meaning “smallpox.”
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation: “彼は水痘にかかったので、学校を休まなければなりませんでした。” (He had to miss school because he caught chickenpox.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “疱” (hou), which also refers to blisters or lesions but is more specific to the type of skin condition.
Antonym: An antonym could be “健康” (kenkou), meaning “health,” as it represents the absence of disease.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “痘” has historical significance in Japan, especially during the smallpox epidemics that affected the population. It is often associated with traditional medicine and health practices.
Proverbs and Idioms: There are no widely known proverbs specifically using “痘,” but discussions about health and disease in Japanese culture often reference the importance of vaccination and disease prevention.