1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “虜” (pronounced “ryo” or “toriko”) means “captured” or “enslaved.” It often refers to someone who is taken captive or someone who is infatuated or obsessed with something or someone.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “虜” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “insect” (虫) with the phonetic component “リ” (ri). This combination suggests a connection to the idea of being ensnared or trapped, as insects can be caught in various ways.
The radical for “虜” is 虫, which is commonly associated with insects or creatures, often implying something that can be captured or controlled.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “虜” are:
- 虜囚 (りょしゅう, ryoshū) – captive
- 虜になる (りょになる, ryo ni naru) – to become infatuated or captivated
Example sentence in daily conversation:
彼はその映画に虜になってしまった。
(Kare wa sono eiga ni ryo ni natte shimatta.) – He became captivated by that movie.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 捕 (ほ, ho) – to capture, which emphasizes the act of capturing rather than the state of being captured.
Antonyms include:
- 解放 (かいほう, kaihō) – liberation, which means to set free or release from captivity.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “虜” has connections to Japanese culture, particularly in literature and historical contexts where themes of captivity and obsession are explored. It can be found in various proverbs and idiomatic expressions that reflect the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
For example, the phrase “心を虜にする” (こころをりょにする, kokoro o ryo ni suru) means “to capture someone’s heart,” often used in romantic contexts.