1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “獄” (goku) primarily means “prison” or “jail.” It refers to a place where individuals are confined as a punishment for crimes or offenses.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “獄” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “犭” (which relates to dogs or animals) and the character “玉,” which can represent something precious or valuable. The association with dogs may stem from the historical use of dogs in guarding prisoners.
The radical “犭” indicates that the character is related to animals, often used in kanji associated with confinement or control.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “獄” are:
- 刑務所 (keimusho) – prison
- 獄中 (gokuchuu) – in prison
Example sentence in daily conversation:
彼は獄中で数年を過ごした。
(Kare wa gokuchuu de suunen o sugoshita.) – He spent several years in prison.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 牢 (rou) – a cell or dungeon, which emphasizes a smaller confinement space.
Antonyms include:
- 自由 (jiyuu) – freedom, which represents the opposite of confinement.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “獄” has significant ties to Japanese culture, particularly in the context of justice and punishment. It appears in various legal and historical texts.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions include:
- 獄に入るよりも、罪を犯さない方が良い (Goku ni hairu yori mo, tsumi o okasanai hou ga yoi) – It is better not to commit a crime than to go to prison.
This reflects the cultural emphasis on morality and the consequences of one’s actions.