1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “骨” (kotsu) means “bone” in English. It refers to the hard, structural elements that make up the skeleton of vertebrates, providing support and protection for the body.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “骨” is a pictogram, originally depicting the shape of a bone. It belongs to the category of ideograms as it conveys the concept of bones and skeletal structure.
Radical: The radical for “骨” is also “骨” (kotsu), which is used in other kanji related to bones and skeletal structures.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “骨” are:
- 骨折 (こっせつ, kossetsu) – fracture
- 骨髄 (こつずい, kotsuzui) – bone marrow
- 骨董 (こっとう, kottou) – antiques
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は骨折してしまった。 (かれはこっせつしてしまった。) – He has fractured a bone.
- 骨髄移植が必要です。 (こつずい いしょくがひつようです。) – A bone marrow transplant is necessary.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “骸” (がい, gai), which means “corpse” or “remains.” While both refer to skeletal structures, “骸” emphasizes the remains of a body, often in a more morbid context.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “肉” (にく, niku), which means “meat.” While “骨” refers to the hard structure, “肉” refers to the soft tissue that surrounds and protects the bones.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, bones are often associated with strength and resilience. The phrase “骨が折れる” (こつがおれる, kotsu ga oreru) means “to put in a lot of effort,” reflecting the idea that hard work is akin to the strength of bones.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “骨を折る” (こつをおる, kotsu o oru), which means “to make an effort” or “to work hard.” This expression highlights the cultural significance of bones as symbols of endurance and hard work.