1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 育 (iku) means “to raise,” “to nurture,” or “to educate.” It is often associated with the growth and development of living beings, particularly in the context of children and education.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji 育 is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字), which combines meaning and sound. The left part, 肉 (niku), represents “meat” or “flesh,” while the right part, 育 (iku), conveys the idea of growth or nurturing.
The radical of 育 is 肉 (niku), which is often associated with the body or flesh, emphasizing the physical aspect of nurturing and growth.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include 育 are:
- 教育 (kyouiku) – education
- 育児 (ikuji) – childcare
- 育成 (ikusei) – cultivation or development
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「子供を育てるのは大変です。」(Kodomo o sodateru no wa taihen desu.) – “Raising children is challenging.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 養 (yō) – to foster or to support, which emphasizes providing care and sustenance.
- 成長 (seichou) – growth, which focuses more on the process of growing rather than the act of nurturing.
Antonyms include:
- 殺 (satsu) – to kill, which represents the opposite of nurturing and raising.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of 育 is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where nurturing and education are highly valued. The importance of raising children and fostering their development is reflected in various aspects of society.
Proverbs and idioms related to 育 include:
- 育ての親 (sodate no oya) – “foster parent,” highlighting the role of caregivers in nurturing.
- 育てることは愛 (sodateru koto wa ai) – “to nurture is to love,” emphasizing the emotional connection in the act of raising.