1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “糧” (ryou) means “provisions” or “food.” It refers to the essential supplies needed for sustenance, particularly in the context of grains or staple foods.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “糧” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements representing “silk” (糸) and “to feed” (良). This reflects its association with food and nourishment.
Radical: The radical of “糧” is “糸” (ito), which means “thread” or “silk,” indicating its connection to materials derived from plants, particularly those used for food.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “糧” are “糧食” (ryoushoku), meaning “food” or “provisions,” and “糧を得る” (ryou wo eru), meaning “to obtain food.”
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation: “私たちは旅行のために十分な糧を準備しました。” (Watashitachi wa ryokou no tame ni juubun na ryou wo junbi shimashita.) – “We prepared enough provisions for the trip.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “食” (shoku), which also relates to food but is more general and encompasses all types of eating. “糧” specifically refers to provisions or staple foods.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “飢え” (ue), meaning “hunger,” which represents the lack of food or provisions.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, “糧” is often associated with the importance of food in daily life and survival. It reflects the agricultural roots of Japanese society.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “糧を得る” (ryou wo eru), which emphasizes the necessity of securing food for sustenance, highlighting the value placed on provisions in both historical and modern contexts.