1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “餓” (ga) means “hunger” or “starvation.” It represents the state of being extremely hungry or lacking food.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “餓” is a compound character that combines the radical for “food” (食) and the character “我” (meaning “I” or “myself”). This combination emphasizes the personal experience of hunger.
The radical of “餓” is 食 (shoku), which relates to food and eating.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “餓” are:
- 餓死 (gasi) – to starve to death
- 餓鬼 (gaki) – a hungry ghost or a greedy person
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼は餓えている。」(Kare wa aete iru.) – “He is hungry.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 空腹 (kūfuku) – meaning “hunger” but more specifically refers to an empty stomach.
Antonyms include:
- 満腹 (manpuku) – meaning “full” or “satisfied” after eating.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of hunger is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with the importance of food and sustenance. The term “餓鬼” (gaki) is used in Buddhist teachings to describe beings who suffer from insatiable hunger, reflecting a moral lesson about greed.
Proverbs and idioms related to hunger include:
- 「腹が減っては戦はできぬ。」(Hara ga hette wa ikusa wa dekinu.) – “You cannot fight on an empty stomach,” emphasizing the need for nourishment to perform well.