1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “籠” (pronounced “kago” in Japanese) means “basket” or “cage.” It refers to a container made of woven materials, often used for carrying or storing items.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “籠” is a compound character that combines elements representing a basket and a covering. It is classified as a 形声文字 (phono-semantic compound), where one part indicates meaning and the other indicates pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “籠” is “竹” (bamboo), which is often associated with items made from bamboo or similar materials.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “籠” are:
- 籠 (kago) – basket
- 籠城 (rojo) – a fortified place or stronghold
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この籠に果物を入れてください。 (Kono kago ni kudamono o irete kudasai.) – Please put the fruit in this basket.
- 彼は籠の中に鳥を入れた。 (Kare wa kago no naka ni tori o iretai.) – He put the bird in the cage.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “箱” (hako), which means “box.” While both refer to containers, “箱” typically refers to a rigid, often rectangular container, whereas “籠” refers to a woven, flexible container.
Antonyms: An antonym for “籠” could be “解放” (kaihō), meaning “release” or “liberation,” as it represents the opposite of confinement.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, baskets have been used for centuries for various purposes, including carrying goods and as decorative items. They are often associated with traditional crafts.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “籠の中の鳥” (kago no naka no tori), which translates to “a bird in a cage,” symbolizing someone who is confined or restricted in their freedom.