1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “狙” (pronounced “ne”) means “to aim” or “to target.” It conveys the idea of focusing on a specific goal or object, often in the context of hunting or precision tasks.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “狙” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “dog” (犭) with the phonetic component “ze” (者), which contributes to its pronunciation. This combination suggests a connection to hunting or targeting animals.
Radical: The radical of “狙” is 犭, which is related to animals, particularly dogs, and signifies actions associated with them, such as hunting.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 狙撃 (そげき, sogeki) – sniping
- 狙い (ねらい, nerai) – aim or target
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は狙いを定めて、的に向かって弓を引いた。
- (He aimed carefully and drew his bow towards the target.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 目標 (もくひょう, mokuhyou) – target or goal, which is broader and can refer to any objective.
- 狙い (ねらい, nerai) – aim, which is more about the intention behind targeting.
Antonyms:
- 放棄 (ほうき, houki) – abandonment, which means to give up on a target or goal.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of aiming or targeting is significant in various aspects of Japanese culture, including martial arts and archery, where precision is highly valued.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「狙った獲物は逃さない」 (ねらったえものはにがさない) – “Aiming at a target, one does not let it escape,” which emphasizes the importance of focus and determination.