1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “侯” (kō) generally means “marquis” or “nobleman.” It is used to denote a rank in the feudal hierarchy, often associated with nobility and aristocracy.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “侯” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “to wait” or “to hold” with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “侯” is “亻” (the person radical), which indicates that the character is related to people or human actions.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “侯” are “侯爵” (kōshaku – marquis) and “侯国” (kōkoku – principality).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は侯爵の家系に生まれました。 (He was born into a marquis family.)
- その侯国は歴史的に重要な役割を果たしました。 (That principality played an important historical role.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “公” (kō), which means “public” or “noble,” but it refers more broadly to public officials or the concept of the public good.
Antonyms: An antonym is “賤” (sen), which means “lowly” or “common,” indicating a lower social status compared to “侯.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “侯” is deeply rooted in Japan’s feudal history, where various ranks of nobility played significant roles in governance and society.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there are no specific proverbs that directly use “侯,” the term is often referenced in discussions about social hierarchy and historical context in Japan.