1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “荒” (read as “ara” or “kou”) generally means “rough,” “wild,” or “coarse.” It can describe something that is not smooth or polished, as well as untamed nature or a lack of refinement.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “荒” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “stone” (石) and the character for “to be wild” (亢), suggesting a rough or unrefined quality.
Radical: The radical of “荒” is 石 (ishi), which relates to stones or rocks, reinforcing the idea of something being rough or coarse.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “荒” are:
- 荒野 (こうや, kouya) – wilderness
- 荒れ地 (あれち, arechi) – wasteland
- 荒っぽい (あらっぽい, arappoi) – rough or rude
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この道は荒れているので、運転に注意してください。 (This road is rough, so please be careful while driving.)
- 彼の言葉は少し荒っぽいけれど、悪気はない。 (His words are a bit rough, but he means no harm.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “粗” (そ, so), which also means “coarse” or “rough,” but it often refers to something that is not finely made or is of low quality.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite kanji is “滑” (かつ, katsu), which means “smooth” or “slippery,” indicating a polished or refined surface.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “荒” is often found in traditional Japanese culture, where nature is revered in its wild and untamed forms. It reflects the beauty of natural landscapes that are not altered by human hands.
Proverbs and Idioms: An example of a proverb that includes “荒” is “荒れた海に船を出す” (to set sail on a rough sea), which means to take risks in difficult situations.