1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “靴” (kutsu) means “shoes” in Japanese. It refers to footwear that is worn on the feet for protection and comfort while walking or running.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “靴” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It is composed of the radical “革” (kawa), which means “leather,” indicating that shoes are often made from leather, and the phonetic component “圭” (kei), which contributes to the pronunciation.
The radical “革” is commonly associated with items made from animal hides, further emphasizing the material aspect of shoes.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “靴” are:
- 靴下 (くつした, kutsushita) – socks
- 運動靴 (うんどうぐつ, undōgutsu) – athletic shoes
- 革靴 (かわぐつ, kawagutsu) – leather shoes
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 新しい靴を買いました。 (あたらしいくつをかいました。) – I bought new shoes.
- 靴を脱いでください。 (くつをぬいでください。) – Please take off your shoes.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- ブーツ (būtsu) – boots, which are a type of footwear that covers the ankle or higher.
- サンダル (sandaru) – sandals, which are open footwear typically worn in warm weather.
Antonyms or contrasting terms include:
- 裸足 (はだし, hadashi) – barefoot, meaning without shoes.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “靴” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where footwear plays a significant role in etiquette. For example, it is customary to remove shoes before entering a home.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to shoes include:
- 靴を脱ぐ (くつをぬぐ, kutsu o nugu) – to take off one’s shoes, symbolizing entering a private space or showing respect.