1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “熊” (kuma) means “bear” in English. It refers to the large, powerful mammals found in various parts of the world, known for their strength and often depicted in folklore and culture.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “熊” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字) that combines both meaning and sound. The left part of the character is the radical “毛” (meaning “fur” or “hair”), which relates to the bear’s fur, while the right part “亀” (kame) contributes to the pronunciation.
The radical for “熊” is “毛,” which signifies something related to hair or fur, emphasizing the bear’s furry appearance.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “熊” are:
- 熊本 (Kumamoto) – a place name in Japan
- 熊の手 (kuma no te) – “bear’s paw,” often used in cooking
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「山で熊を見たことがありますか？」 (Yama de kuma o mita koto ga arimasu ka?) – “Have you ever seen a bear in the mountains?”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 獣 (juu) – meaning “beast” or “animal,” which is broader and includes various types of animals.
Antonyms include:
- 羊 (hitsuji) – meaning “sheep,” which represents a gentle and domesticated animal, contrasting with the wild nature of a bear.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The bear holds a significant place in Japanese culture, often symbolizing strength and bravery. In folklore, bears are sometimes depicted as protectors or as spiritual beings.
Proverbs and idioms related to bears include:
- 「熊の皮を剥ぐ」 (kuma no kawa o hagu) – meaning “to strip the bear’s skin,” which refers to taking advantage of someone or something.