1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “寡” (ka) generally means “few” or “scarce.” It is often used to describe a small quantity or a lack of something.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “寡” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “宀” (roof) and “寡” (which relates to fewness or scarcity).
Radical: The radical for “寡” is “宀,” which is associated with buildings or houses, indicating a connection to domestic or personal matters.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “寡” are “寡婦” (kafu – widow) and “寡占” (kazan – oligopoly).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は寡黙な人です。 (Kare wa kamoku na hito desu.) – He is a quiet person.
- この地域は寡少な人口です。 (Kono chiiki wa kasou na jinkou desu.) – This area has a sparse population.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “少” (shou), which also means “few” but is more commonly used in everyday language. “寡” tends to have a more formal or literary connotation.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite of “寡” is “多” (ta), which means “many” or “numerous.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of scarcity is often reflected in Japanese culture, particularly in traditional arts and aesthetics, where simplicity and minimalism are valued.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “寡言は多言に勝る” (Kagen wa tagen ni masaru), which translates to “Few words are better than many,” emphasizing the value of being concise.