1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “故” (ko) primarily means “cause,” “reason,” or “to die.” It is often used in contexts related to death or as a prefix to indicate something that has happened in the past.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “故” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “止” (to stop) and “口” (mouth), symbolizing the cessation of life or speech.
The radical for “故” is “止,” which relates to stopping or halting, reinforcing the idea of an end or conclusion.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “故” are:
- 故人 (こじん, kojin) – deceased person
- 故障 (こしょう, koshou) – breakdown or malfunction
- 故郷 (こきょう, kokyou) – hometown
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 彼は故人を偲んでいます。 (かれはこじんをしのんでいます。) – He is remembering the deceased.
- この機械は故障しています。 (このきかいはこしょうしています。) – This machine is broken.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 原因 (げんいん, gen’in) – cause (more focused on the reason behind an event)
- 死 (し, shi) – death (a more direct term for the end of life)
Antonyms include:
- 生 (せい, sei) – life (the opposite of death)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “故” has significant ties to Japanese culture, particularly in the context of honoring the deceased during festivals and memorials. It is often used in formal settings, such as obituaries and eulogies.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “故” are:
- 故あっての出会い (こあってのであい, koatte no deai) – A meeting that happens for a reason.
This reflects the belief that every encounter has a purpose, often linked to past events or relationships.