1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “驚” (pronounced “kyou” or “odoroku”) means “to be surprised” or “to be astonished.” It conveys a sense of shock or amazement in response to unexpected events.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “驚” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字) that combines the radical for “horse” (馬) and the phonetic component “京” (kyou), which suggests a sound association. The horse element relates to the idea of something startling or sudden, as horses can be easily startled.
The radical of “驚” is 馬 (uma), which means “horse.” This radical often appears in kanji related to movement or animals.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “驚” are:
- 驚く (odoroku) – to be surprised
- 驚き (odoroki) – surprise or astonishment
- 驚愕 (kyougaku) – shock or amazement
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼の話を聞いて驚いた。」 (Kare no hanashi o kiite odoroita.) – “I was surprised to hear his story.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 驚異 (kyoui) – wonder or marvel, which implies a sense of awe rather than just surprise.
- 感動 (kandou) – deep emotion, which can also involve surprise but is more about being moved emotionally.
Antonyms include:
- 平常 (heijou) – normal or usual, indicating a lack of surprise.
- 冷静 (reisei) – calm or composed, which suggests a state of mind that is not easily surprised.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “驚” is often used in Japanese culture to express emotions in literature, art, and everyday life. It reflects the Japanese value of being aware of one’s surroundings and the impact of unexpected events.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “驚” are:
- 驚くべきことに (odoroku beki koto ni) – “surprisingly,” used to introduce unexpected information.
- 驚き桃の木三年 (odoroki momo no ki sannen) – “A surprise lasts three years,” indicating that surprises can have lasting effects.