1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “稼” (ka) primarily means “to earn” or “to make a profit.” It is often associated with activities related to work, income generation, and financial gain.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “稼” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “rice” (禾) which relates to agriculture, with the phonetic component “加” (ka), suggesting the idea of earning through cultivation or work.
Radical: The radical of “稼” is “禾” (rice), which is often associated with farming and agriculture.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 稼ぐ (かせぐ, kasegu) – to earn, to make money
- 稼働 (かどう, kadou) – operation, working (of machines)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は毎月たくさんのお金を稼いでいます。
(He earns a lot of money every month.) - この仕事は私にとって良い稼ぎになります。
(This job is a good source of income for me.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 得 (とく, toku) – to gain, to obtain (focuses more on the act of gaining rather than the process of earning)
- 収 (しゅう, shuu) – to collect, to gather (often used in the context of income or revenue)
Antonyms:
- 失 (しつ, shitsu) – to lose (indicating a loss of income or resources)
- 浪費 (ろうひ, rouhi) – waste, squandering (referring to spending money without earning)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “稼” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where hard work and earning a living are highly valued. The agricultural background of the kanji reflects the importance of farming in Japan’s history.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 稼ぎ時 (かせぎどき, kasegidoki) – a time to earn (referring to a favorable time for making money)
- 働かざる者食うべからず (はたらかざるものくうべからず, hatarakazaru mono kuu bekarazu) – “Those who do not work shall not eat” (emphasizing the value of hard work).