1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “耕” (kō) means “to cultivate” or “to plow.” It is primarily associated with agriculture and the act of preparing land for planting crops.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “耕” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements representing “earth” and “work.” The left part “耒” symbolizes a plow, while the right part “工” indicates work or labor.
Radical: The radical for “耕” is “耕” itself, which is related to farming and agriculture.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 耕作 (こうさく, kōsaku) – cultivation
- 耕地 (こうち, kōchi) – cultivated land
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は毎年春に畑を耕します。 (かれはまいとしはるにはたけをこうします。) – He cultivates the field every spring.
- 新しい技術で耕作が効率的になりました。 (あたらしいぎじゅつでこうさくがこうりつてきになりました。) – New technology has made cultivation more efficient.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 農 (のう, nō) – agriculture; refers more broadly to farming and agricultural practices.
- 耕 (こう, kō) specifically refers to the act of cultivating or plowing.
Antonyms:
- 荒れ (あれ, are) – to be rough or uncultivated; indicates land that is not being worked or is in disarray.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The act of cultivation is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of agriculture in traditional Japanese society. Festivals and rituals often celebrate the farming cycle.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「耕す者は実を結ぶ」 (たがやすものはみをむすぶ) – “Those who cultivate will bear fruit,” emphasizing the value of hard work and effort in achieving results.