1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “好” (pronounced “kou” or “suki”) means “like” or “good.” It expresses a positive feeling or preference towards something or someone.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “好” is a compound character, formed by combining two elements: the kanji “女” (woman) and “子” (child). This combination historically represents the idea of a woman and a child, symbolizing affection and care.
The radical of “好” is “女,” which relates to femininity and nurturing aspects.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “好” are:
- 好き (suki) – to like
- 好み (konomi) – preference
- 好意 (kooi) – goodwill
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 私は日本の食べ物が好きです。 (Watashi wa Nihon no tabemono ga suki desu.) – I like Japanese food.
- 彼女の好みはシンプルなデザインです。 (Kanojo no konomi wa shinpuru na dezain desu.) – Her preference is for simple designs.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 愛 (ai) – love (a deeper, more intense feeling than “like”)
- 好き (suki) – like (more casual and less intense than “love”)
Antonyms include:
- 嫌い (kirai) – dislike
- 悪 (waru) – bad
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “好” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often associated with positive emotions and relationships. It appears in various proverbs and idiomatic expressions, such as:
- 好きこそ物の上手なれ (Suki koso mono no jouzu nare) – “What one likes, one does well,” emphasizing the importance of passion in achieving success.
- 好事魔多し (Kouji mada shi) – “Good things attract misfortune,” a reminder that good fortune can sometimes bring unexpected challenges.