1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “蹴” (pronounced “keru”) means “to kick.” It is commonly used in contexts related to sports, martial arts, and physical activities where kicking is involved.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “蹴” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “foot” (足) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “蹴” is 足 (foot), which indicates its relation to actions performed with the feet.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “蹴” are:
- 蹴る (keru) – to kick
- 蹴飛ばす (ketobasu) – to kick away
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- サッカーの試合でボールを蹴った。 (I kicked the ball in the soccer match.)
- 彼は犬を蹴ることは絶対にしない。 (He would never kick a dog.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “打” (da), which means “to hit.” While both involve physical action, “蹴” specifically refers to kicking, whereas “打” refers to hitting with hands or objects.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “受ける” (ukeru), which means “to receive.” This contrasts with the action of kicking, as it involves accepting or taking something rather than forcefully sending it away.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Kicking is an important aspect of various traditional Japanese martial arts, such as karate and judo, where the technique of kicking is emphasized.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “蹴りを入れる” (keri o ireru), which means “to give a kick,” often used metaphorically to describe taking decisive action or making a strong impact in a situation.