1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “虞” (pronounced “gu” in Mandarin and “u” in Japanese) generally means “fear,” “anxiety,” or “worry.” It conveys a sense of concern or apprehension about potential dangers or negative outcomes.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “虞” is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字), which combines a semantic component with a phonetic element. The left part of the character, “虍,” relates to animals, while the right part, “余,” provides the phonetic sound.
Radical: The radical for “虞” is “虫” (insect), which often relates to meanings associated with living creatures or nature.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “虞” are “虞美人” (gorgeous woman) and “虞恐” (fear and anxiety).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は将来のことを考えると、いつも虞を感じている。
- 試験の結果に対する虞が彼女を眠れなくさせた。
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “恐” (fear), which emphasizes a stronger sense of dread or terror. In contrast, “虞” suggests a more general anxiety or worry.
Antonyms: A kanji that represents the opposite meaning is “安心” (peace of mind), which conveys a sense of security and lack of worry.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, “虞” can be found in various literary works and expressions that reflect human emotions and concerns. It often appears in poetry and classical literature.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “虞を持つ” (to have worries), which signifies being cautious or anxious about future events.