1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “刈” (pronounced “kari”) means “to cut” or “to mow.” It is often associated with cutting grass or harvesting crops.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “刈” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which combines a semantic component that relates to cutting and a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “刈” is “刀” (katana), which means “sword” or “knife,” indicating its connection to cutting actions.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 刈り取り (かりとり, karitori) – harvesting
- 刈る (かる, karu) – to cut or mow
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 今日は庭の草を刈ります。(きょうはにわのくさをかります。) – Today, I will mow the grass in the garden.
- 秋になると、稲を刈る時期です。(あきになると、いねをかるじきです。) – In autumn, it is time to harvest the rice.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 切 (きる, kiru) – to cut, which is more general and can refer to cutting various materials, not just grass or crops.
Antonyms:
- 生 (せい, sei) – to grow or to live, which represents the opposite action of cutting.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The act of cutting grass or harvesting crops is significant in Japanese agriculture and is often associated with seasonal changes and festivals.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「刈り入れ時」(かりいれどき, kariiredoki) – the time for harvesting, which emphasizes the importance of timing in agricultural practices.