1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “砲” (hō) means “cannon” or “artillery.” It refers to large firearms that are used in warfare, typically mounted on vehicles or fortifications.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “砲” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “stone” (石) on the left, which relates to the material used in cannons, and the phonetic component “包” (hō) on the right, which suggests the sound.
Radical: The radical for “砲” is 石 (ishi), meaning “stone,” indicating its connection to heavy, solid objects like cannons.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 砲撃 (ほうげき, hōgeki) – artillery fire
- 大砲 (たいほう, taihō) – large cannon
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation:
戦争中、彼らは大砲を使って敵を攻撃した。 (During the war, they used cannons to attack the enemy.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 弾 (だん, dan) – bullet; refers to the ammunition used in firearms.
- 銃 (じゅう, jū) – gun; a smaller firearm compared to a cannon.
Antonyms:
- 平和 (へいわ, heiwa) – peace; the opposite of warfare and conflict.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The use of cannons in Japan dates back to the 16th century, significantly impacting warfare and military strategy. Cannons played a crucial role during the Sengoku period and the subsequent unification of Japan.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there are no specific proverbs directly related to “砲,” the concept of artillery is often associated with strength and power in military contexts.