1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “殺” (satsu) means “to kill” or “to murder.” It conveys a strong sense of taking life and is often associated with violence or death.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “殺” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines the meaning of “to kill” with phonetic elements. The left part “氵” (water radical) is often associated with fluidity or movement, while the right part “刂” (knife radical) signifies cutting or sharpness.
Radical: The radical of “殺” is “刂,” which relates to tools or actions involving cutting.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 殺人 (satsujin) – murder
- 殺す (korosu) – to kill
- 殺戮 (satsuriku) – slaughter
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は映画で殺人事件を解決する探偵です。 (Kare wa eiga de satsujin jiken o kaiketsu suru tantei desu.) – He is a detective who solves murder cases in movies.
- その小説は殺すことの意味について考えさせられる。 (Sono shōsetsu wa korosu koto no imi ni tsuite kangaesaseru.) – That novel makes you think about the meaning of killing.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 撃 (geki) – to attack or strike, which implies a more aggressive action but does not necessarily mean to kill.
- 斬 (zan) – to cut or slash, often used in a more artistic or historical context.
Antonyms:
- 生 (sei) – life, which represents the opposite of death.
- 救 (kyū) – to save, which conveys the idea of preserving life.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “殺” is deeply embedded in Japanese history and culture, often appearing in literature, films, and traditional arts. It reflects the darker aspects of human nature and societal issues.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 殺し文句 (koroshi monku) – a phrase that kills (a persuasive argument).
- 殺すも生かすも (korosu mo ikasu mo) – to kill or to let live, indicating the power of choice in life and death situations.