1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “臆” (oku) generally means “timid” or “cowardly.” It describes a state of being fearful or lacking confidence, often in social situations or when facing challenges.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “臆” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “meat” (肉) on the left, which often relates to emotions or feelings, and the phonetic component “oku” on the right, which suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “臆” is 肉 (niku), which is associated with flesh or body, hinting at the emotional aspect of timidity.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “臆” are “臆病” (okubyou), meaning “cowardice,” and “臆測” (okusaku), meaning “guess” or “speculation.”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は臆病だから、いつも人前で話すのを避ける。
- (He is timid, so he always avoids speaking in front of people.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “怖” (kowa), which means “fear.” While both relate to fearfulness, “怖” emphasizes the feeling of fear itself, whereas “臆” focuses more on the state of being timid.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “勇” (yuu), meaning “courage” or “bravery.” This kanji represents the quality of being brave and facing challenges without fear.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, being “臆病” can be viewed negatively, as it may imply a lack of assertiveness. However, it can also be understood as a protective trait in certain contexts.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “臆病は損” (okubyou wa son), which translates to “Timidity is a loss,” emphasizing the idea that being overly timid can lead to missed opportunities.