1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “巧” (kou) means “skillful” or “clever.” It is often used to describe someone who is adept at a particular task or has a high level of craftsmanship.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “巧” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of skillfulness with phonetic elements to convey its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “巧” is “工” (meaning “work” or “craft”), which emphasizes the connection to skill and craftsmanship.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “巧” are:
- 巧妙 (こうみょう, koumyou) – ingenious, clever
- 巧技 (こうぎ, kougi) – skillful technique
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は巧妙な解決策を見つけた。 (かれはこうみょうなかいけつさくをみつけた。) – He found an ingenious solution.
- 彼女の巧技には感心した。 (かのじょのこうぎにはかんしんした。) – I was impressed by her skillful technique.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “熟” (じゅく, juku), which means “mature” or “skilled,” but it emphasizes the idea of experience and refinement over time.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “拙” (せつ, setsu), which means “clumsy” or “awkward,” highlighting a lack of skill or finesse.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of skillfulness is highly valued in Japanese culture, often associated with traditional crafts and arts, such as pottery, calligraphy, and martial arts.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “巧遅は拙速に如かず” (こうちはせっそくにしかず), which means “Better to be slow and skillful than fast and clumsy,” emphasizing the importance of quality over speed in craftsmanship.