1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 犠 (gi) generally means “sacrifice” or “offering.” It conveys the idea of giving something up for a greater purpose or benefit, often associated with selflessness or devotion.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation: The kanji 犠 is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “dog” (犭) which relates to animals traditionally used in sacrifices, and the phonetic component 義 (gi), which means “righteousness” or “justice.”
Radical: The radical of 犠 is 犭, which is related to animals, emphasizing the connection to sacrificial offerings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include 犠 are:
- 犠牲 (gisei) – “sacrifice”
- 犠牲者 (giseisha) – “victim” or “sacrificial victim”
Example Sentences:
- 彼は国のために犠牲になった。
(Kare wa kuni no tame ni gisei ni natta.)
“He sacrificed himself for the country.” - 犠牲者のために祈りましょう。
(Giseisha no tame ni inorimashou.)
“Let’s pray for the victims.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 奉 (hou), which means “to offer” or “to dedicate.” While both involve giving, 奉 emphasizes the act of offering with respect, whereas 犠 focuses on the aspect of sacrifice.
Antonyms: An antonym of 犠 could be 享 (kyou), which means “to enjoy” or “to receive,” highlighting the contrast between giving up something and receiving something.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of sacrifice is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often seen in historical contexts such as samurai loyalty and in various religious practices. The idea of giving oneself for the greater good is celebrated in many narratives.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is 「命を懸ける」 (inochi o kakeru), which means “to risk one’s life,” reflecting the spirit of sacrifice inherent in the kanji 犠.