1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “購” (kō) means “to purchase” or “to buy.” It is commonly used in contexts related to shopping and acquiring goods.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “購” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “買” (to buy) and the phonetic component “口” (kuchi), which contributes to its pronunciation.
The radical of “購” is “買,” which relates to buying or purchasing.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “購” are:
- 購買 (こうばい, kōbai) – purchase
- 購読 (こうどく, kōdoku) – subscription
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「新しい本を購買しました。」(あたらしいほんをこうばいしました。) – “I purchased a new book.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 買 (かう, kau) – to buy (more general and commonly used)
Antonyms include:
- 売 (うる, uru) – to sell
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “購” is often associated with Japanese culture, particularly in the context of commerce and trade. It reflects the importance of purchasing in daily life.
Proverbs and idioms related to “購” include:
- 「安物買いの銭失い」(やすものがいのぜにうしない) – “Buying cheap goods can lead to losing money,” emphasizing the value of quality over price.