1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “喝” (katsu) primarily means “to shout” or “to yell.” It conveys a sense of strong vocal expression, often used to command attention or express urgency.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “喝” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which means it combines both a phonetic and a semantic component. The left part, “口” (kuchi), represents the mouth, indicating a vocal action, while the right part, “合” (ai), contributes to the sound and meaning.
Radical: The radical of “喝” is “口” (kuchi), which is associated with actions related to the mouth, such as speaking or eating.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 喝采 (katsusai) – applause, cheers
- 喝声 (katsusei) – shout, cry
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は試合中に喝を入れた。 (Kare wa shiai-chuu ni katsu o iretai.) – He shouted to motivate during the match.
- 先生が喝を入れて、みんなが静かになった。 (Sensei ga katsu o irete, minna ga shizuka ni natta.) – The teacher shouted, and everyone became quiet.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 叫 (kyou) – to scream or cry out, often with a sense of fear or urgency.
- 声 (koe) – voice, which refers more generally to sound produced by humans.
Antonyms:
- 静 (shizu) – quiet, calm, which conveys the opposite meaning of making noise or shouting.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “喝” is often associated with traditional Japanese practices, such as martial arts, where a shout is used to focus energy and assert presence.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 喝采を浴びる (katsusai o abiru) – to receive applause, often used to describe someone who has performed exceptionally well.