1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “告” (koku) means “to inform,” “to announce,” or “to report.” It is often used in contexts where information is being conveyed or a message is being delivered.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “告” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “to speak” with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “告” is “口” (kuchi), which means “mouth.” This radical is commonly associated with speech and communication.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “告” are:
- 告白 (kokuhaku) – confession
- 告知 (kokuchi) – notification
- 告訴 (kokuso) – accusation
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は私に告白した。 (Kare wa watashi ni kokuhaku shita.) – He confessed to me.
- 新しいルールを告知します。 (Atarashii ruuru o kokuchi shimasu.) – I will announce the new rules.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “報” (hou), which means “to report” or “to inform,” but it often implies a more formal or official context.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “隠” (in), which means “to hide” or “to conceal,” representing the opposite action of informing or announcing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “告” is often used in legal and formal contexts in Japan, such as in court announcements or public notifications.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “告げ口” (tsugeguchi), which means “to inform on someone” or “to tell tales,” often used in a negative context.