1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “畜” (chiku) primarily means “livestock” or “domestic animals.” It refers to animals that are raised for agricultural purposes, such as cattle, pigs, and sheep.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “畜” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “field” (田) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “畜” is 田 (ta), which means “field” or “rice paddy,” indicating its connection to agriculture and farming.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “畜” are:
- 畜産 (ちくさん, chikusai) – livestock farming
- 家畜 (かちく, kachiku) – domestic animals
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この地域では、畜産業が盛んです。
(In this area, livestock farming is thriving.) - 彼は家畜の世話をする仕事をしています。
(He works taking care of domestic animals.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “獣” (じゅう, jū), which means “beast” or “wild animal.” The difference lies in the context; “畜” refers to domesticated animals, while “獣” refers to wild animals.
Antonyms: An antonym for “畜” could be “野生” (やせい, yasei), meaning “wild,” which describes animals that live in their natural habitat, not under human care.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: In Japan, livestock plays a significant role in agriculture and traditional practices. The concept of “畜” is deeply rooted in rural life and farming culture.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “家畜のように働く” (kachiku no yō ni hataraku), which translates to “work like livestock,” implying hard work or laborious effort.