1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “禍” (pronounced “ka” or “wazawai”) means “calamity” or “disaster.” It refers to misfortune or negative events that can cause harm or suffering.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “禍” is a compound character, which means it is formed by combining different elements. It is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character, where the left part suggests a connection to rituals or offerings, while the right part indicates a phonetic element.
Radical: The radical of “禍” is “示” (shimesu), which relates to religious or spiritual matters, often associated with offerings or rituals.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “禍” are “災禍” (saika – disaster) and “禍根” (kakon – root of misfortune).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「彼の不注意が大きな禍を招いた。」(His carelessness brought about a great calamity.)
- 「禍を避けるために、注意深く行動することが大切です。」(It is important to act carefully to avoid misfortune.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “災” (sai), which also means disaster but often refers to natural disasters specifically, while “禍” can encompass a broader range of misfortunes.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite of “禍” is “福” (fuku), which means “blessing” or “good fortune.” This highlights the contrast between misfortune and positive outcomes.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, the concept of “禍” is often linked to superstitions and beliefs about omens. People may take precautions to avoid misfortune, especially during significant events.
Proverbs and Idioms: An example of a proverb is “禍を転じて福となす” (Wazawai wo tenjite fuku to nasu), which means “turning misfortune into good fortune,” emphasizing the idea that challenges can lead to positive outcomes if handled wisely.