1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “猫” (neko) means “cat” in English. It refers to the small, domesticated feline animal that is popular as a pet around the world.
2. Formation and Radicals
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “猫” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “animal” (犭) on the left, which indicates that it is an animal, with the phonetic component “苗” (myou), which provides the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “猫” is 犭, which is commonly associated with animals.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 猫好き (neko zuki) – cat lover
- 猫カフェ (neko kafe) – cat café
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私の猫はとてもかわいいです。 (Watashi no neko wa totemo kawaii desu.) – My cat is very cute.
- 猫は夜行性です。 (Neko wa yakousei desu.) – Cats are nocturnal.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 獣 (juu) – beast; refers to wild animals, while 猫 specifically refers to domestic cats.
Opposite Kanji:
- 犬 (inu) – dog; it represents a different type of domesticated animal.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Cats hold a special place in Japanese culture, often associated with good luck and fortune, as seen in the popular “Maneki-neko” (beckoning cat) figurine.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 猫に小判 (neko ni koban) – “A gold coin to a cat”; meaning giving something valuable to someone who doesn’t appreciate it.