1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “嚇” (kaku) means “to frighten” or “to scare.” It conveys a sense of intimidation or fear, often used in contexts where someone is startled or alarmed.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “嚇” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines a semantic component that relates to sound or voice with a phonetic element that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “嚇” is “口” (kuchi), which means “mouth.” This radical often relates to speech or sounds, reinforcing the idea of frightening someone through vocal means.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 驚嚇 (kyouka) – shock or fright
- 恐怖 (kyoufu) – terror or fear
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼の大声に驚嚇された。 (Kare no oo koe ni kyouka sareta.) – I was frightened by his loud voice.
- 映画はとても怖くて、何度も驚嚇された。 (Eiga wa totemo kowakute, nando mo kyouka sareta.) – The movie was so scary that I was startled multiple times.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 驚 (kyou) – to be surprised; this kanji emphasizes the element of surprise rather than fear.
- 恐 (kyou) – fear; this kanji focuses more on the feeling of fear itself.
Antonyms:
- 安心 (anshin) – peace of mind; this term represents a state of calmness and security, the opposite of fear.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of fear and intimidation is prevalent in various aspects of Japanese culture, including folklore and traditional stories where spirits or supernatural beings often frighten characters.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 恐れ入ります (osore irimasu) – a phrase used to express humility or to acknowledge someone’s superior position, often implying a sense of intimidation.