1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “虐” (gyaku) means “to abuse” or “to mistreat.” It conveys a sense of cruelty or harsh treatment towards others, often in a physical or emotional context.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “虐” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “犭” (dog) which often relates to animals or behavior, and the character “夭” which can imply something that is cut short or harmed.
Radical: The radical of “虐” is “犭,” which is associated with animals, particularly dogs, and often relates to actions or behaviors that can be seen as cruel or aggressive.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “虐” are “虐待” (gyakutai), meaning “abuse,” and “虐殺” (gyakusatsu), meaning “massacre.”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は動物を虐待していることが発覚した。 (It was discovered that he was abusing animals.)
- 虐殺は決して許されるべきではない。 (Massacres should never be tolerated.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “痛” (itami), which means “pain.” While both convey a sense of harm, “虐” specifically refers to abusive actions, whereas “痛” refers to the sensation of pain itself.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “愛” (ai), meaning “love.” While “虐” implies cruelty and mistreatment, “愛” represents affection and care.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “虐” is significant in discussions about animal rights and human rights in Japan. It often appears in literature and media that address social issues.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “虐待は人を壊す” (Abuse destroys a person), highlighting the severe impact of mistreatment on individuals.