1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “牛” (ushi) means “cow” or “ox.” It is commonly associated with livestock and is an important symbol in agriculture and cuisine in many cultures, including Japan.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “牛” is a pictogram that represents the shape of a cow. It falls under the category of pictographs, which are characters that visually resemble the objects they represent.
Radical: The radical for “牛” is also “牛,” which is used in other kanji related to cattle and livestock.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “牛” are:
- 牛肉 (gyūniku) – beef
- 牛乳 (gyūnyū) – milk
- 牛車 (gyuusha) – ox cart
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私は牛肉が好きです。 (Watashi wa gyūniku ga suki desu.) – I like beef.
- 牛乳を飲みますか？ (Gyūnyū o nomimasu ka?) – Do you drink milk?
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “羊” (hitsuji), which means “sheep.” While both represent livestock, “牛” refers specifically to cows and oxen, whereas “羊” refers to sheep.
Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for “牛,” but in the context of livestock, one might consider “野生動物” (yasei dōbutsu) meaning “wild animals” as a contrasting concept.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Cows have been significant in Japanese agriculture, especially in rice farming, where they were used for plowing fields. The Year of the Ox is also one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac, which is celebrated in Japan.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common Japanese proverb is “牛に引かれて善光寺参り” (Ushi ni hikarete Zenkoji mairi), which translates to “Being led by a cow to Zenkoji Temple,” meaning that sometimes unexpected events can lead to good outcomes.