1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “郡” (gun) refers to a district or a county. It is used to denote a specific administrative region within a country, often comprising several towns or villages.
2. Origin and Radical
The kanji “郡” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of “阜” (which represents a hill or mound) and “君” (which means lord or ruler). This combination suggests a place where a ruler governs over a region.
The radical of “郡” is “阜,” which is associated with earth or mounds, indicating its geographical significance.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “郡” are:
- 郡部 (gunbu) – rural area or district
- 郡市 (gunshi) – city and county
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「私の住んでいる郡はとても自然が豊かです。」
(The county where I live is very rich in nature.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 県 (ken) – prefecture, which is a larger administrative division than a county.
- 市 (shi) – city, which is a more urban area compared to a county.
Antonyms include:
- 孤立 (koritsu) – isolation, which conveys the opposite idea of a community or district.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “郡” is significant in Japanese culture as it reflects the historical administrative divisions used in governance. In ancient times, these districts were essential for local administration and resource management.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “郡” include:
- 「郡を治める者は民を治める」 – (He who governs the district governs the people), emphasizing the importance of local leadership.