1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “殴” (pronounced “nagu”) means “to hit” or “to strike.” It is often associated with physical violence or aggressive actions.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “殴” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines the meaning of the radical with a phonetic component. The left part, “殳,” relates to actions involving hitting or striking, while the right part, “牛,” provides the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “殴” is “殳,” which is often associated with actions involving weapons or striking.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “殴” are “殴る” (to hit) and “殴打” (assault).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は友達を殴った。 (He hit his friend.)
- 暴力は決して許されない。 (Violence is never acceptable.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “叩く” (tataku), which also means “to hit” but often implies a lighter action, like tapping or striking gently.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “守る” (mamoru), which means “to protect” or “to defend,” representing a non-violent action.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “殴” is often discussed in the context of martial arts and self-defense, where striking techniques are essential.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “殴られても、立ち上がれ” (Even if you are hit, stand up), which emphasizes resilience in the face of adversity.