1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 渇 (かつ, katsu) means “thirst” or “to be thirsty.” It expresses a strong desire or need, especially for water or something essential.
2. Origin and Radical
・Origin of the Kanji
渇 is a phonosemantic compound character (形声文字), which combines two parts:
- 氵 (water radical) – indicates a relation to water or liquid.
- 曷 (phonetic component) – suggests the sound and also implies forcefulness or intensity.
This structure symbolizes an intense need for water — thirst.
・Radical
The radical is 氵 (the “water” radical), which appears in many kanji related to liquids or fluid states, such as 海 (sea), 河 (river), and 泣 (cry).
3. Usage Examples
・Common Words & Phrases
- 渇く (かわく, kawaku) – To be thirsty / to become dry
- 渇望 (かつぼう, katsubō) – Craving, strong desire
- 乾渇 (かんかつ, kankatsu) – Dryness, lack of moisture
・Example Sentence
水を飲みたい。とても喉が渇いた。
(*Mizu o nomitai. Totemo nodo ga kawaita.*)
→ I want to drink water. I’m really thirsty.
4. Synonyms & Antonyms
・Similar Kanji
- 乾 (かん, kan / かわく, kawaku) – Also means “dry,” but emphasizes the physical state rather than a bodily sensation like thirst.
- 飢 (き, ki) – Means “hunger” rather than “thirst,” but both express strong physical needs.
・Opposite Kanji
- 潤 (じゅん, jun) – Means “moist” or “to enrich,” and can imply satisfaction of thirst or dryness.
- 満 (まん, man) – Means “full” or “satisfied,” often used as a contrast to craving or thirst.
5. Cultural & Historical Background
・Connection to Japanese Culture
In Japanese expressions, 渇 often represents more than physical thirst — it can symbolize emotional or spiritual yearning. For example, a “thirst for knowledge” or ambition.
・Proverbs & Idioms
- 渇しても盗泉の水を飲まず (かっしてもとうせんのみずをのまず)
(*Kasshite mo tōsen no mizu o nomazu*)
– “Even when thirsty, do not drink from a stolen spring.”
This means to uphold one’s moral values even in desperate situations.