1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “穫” (kaku) primarily means “to harvest” or “to reap.” It is often associated with the gathering of crops or the collection of resources, emphasizing the act of obtaining something valuable from nature.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “穫” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements representing rice and the act of gathering. The left part, “禾,” symbolizes grain or rice, while the right part, “各,” suggests the idea of collecting or gathering.
Radical: The radical of “穫” is “禾” (he), which relates to plants, particularly grains and cereals.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 収穫 (しゅうかく, shūkaku) – harvest
- 穫得 (かくとく, kakutoku) – acquisition
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 今年の米の穫り入れはとても良かったです。 (Kotoshi no kome no toriire wa totemo yokatta desu.) – The rice harvest this year was very good.
- 彼は新しい技術を穫得しました。 (Kare wa atarashii gijutsu o kakutoku shimashita.) – He acquired new technology.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 収 (しゅう, shū) – to collect or gather, but more general and can refer to various types of collection, not just crops.
- 採 (さい, sai) – to pick or gather, often used for fruits or flowers.
Antonyms:
- 失 (しつ, shitsu) – to lose, which is the opposite of gaining or harvesting.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of harvesting is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where agriculture has historically been a vital part of life. Festivals celebrating the harvest, such as “収穫祭” (shūkakusai), are common.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「蒔いた種は刈り取る」 (Maita tane wa karitoru) – “You reap what you sow,” emphasizing the importance of hard work and the consequences of one’s actions.