1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “覚” (kaku) primarily means “to remember” or “to awaken.” It conveys the idea of gaining awareness or consciousness, often related to memory and perception.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “覚” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “heart” (心) at the bottom, which relates to feelings and thoughts, with the phonetic component “kaku” (覚) that suggests the sound.
Radical: The radical of “覚” is 心 (shin), which is associated with emotions and mental activities.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “覚” are:
- 記憶 (kioku) – memory
- 覚醒 (kakusei) – awakening
- 覚える (oboeru) – to remember or to learn
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私はそのことを覚えています。 (Watashi wa sono koto o oboeteimasu.) – I remember that.
- 彼は早く覚醒しました。 (Kare wa hayaku kakusei shimashita.) – He woke up quickly.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “思” (omo), which means “to think.” While both involve mental processes, “覚” focuses more on memory and awareness, whereas “思” emphasizes thought and contemplation.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “忘” (wasure), which means “to forget.” This represents the opposite action of remembering or being aware.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “覚” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in the context of mindfulness and awareness. It is often associated with practices like meditation.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “覚えておくべきこと” (oboete oku beki koto), which means “things you should remember,” emphasizing the importance of memory in life.