1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “夫” (pronounced “fu” or “otto”) means “husband” in Japanese. It refers to a male partner in a marriage or a man in a position of authority within a family context.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “夫” is a phono-semantic compound, which means it combines both a phonetic and a semantic component. The character originally depicted a man and has evolved over time to represent the concept of a husband.
Radical: The radical for “夫” is “人” (meaning “person” or “man”), which is often used in kanji related to human beings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 夫婦 (ふうふ, “fuufu”) – husband and wife
- 夫人 (ふじん, “fujin”) – lady or wife (often used in formal contexts)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私の夫は料理が得意です。 (わたしの おっとは りょうりが とくいです。) – My husband is good at cooking.
- 彼女は夫と一緒に旅行に行きました。 (かのじょは おっとと いっしょに りょこうに いきました。) – She went on a trip with her husband.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 主人 (しゅじん, “shujin”) – master or husband (often used in a more formal or respectful context)
- 男 (おとこ, “otoko”) – man (a more general term that does not imply marital status)
Antonyms:
- 妻 (つま, “tsuma”) – wife (the female counterpart in a marriage)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “夫” is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese family structures, where the husband often held a central role in the household. This reflects the historical patriarchal society in Japan.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 夫婦は一心同体 (ふうふはいっしんどうたい) – “Husband and wife are of one mind,” emphasizing the unity and partnership in marriage.