1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “欲” (yoku) means “desire” or “want.” It represents a strong feeling of wanting something, whether it be material possessions, experiences, or emotions.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “欲” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines two elements: the radical “心” (kokoro), meaning “heart” or “mind,” and “欲” (yoku), which conveys the idea of wanting. The heart is often associated with emotions and desires, making this kanji a fitting representation of the concept of desire.
The radical of “欲” is 心, which is commonly found in kanji related to feelings and emotions.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “欲” are:
- 欲望 (yokubou) – desire, craving
- 欲しい (hoshii) – to want, to desire
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 私は新しい車が欲しいです。 (Watashi wa atarashii kuruma ga hoshii desu.) – I want a new car.
- 彼の成功を欲望している人が多い。 (Kare no seikou o yokubou shite iru hito ga ooi.) – Many people desire his success.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 願 (gan) – wish, request (more focused on hope rather than strong desire)
- 求 (kyuu) – seek, request (implies a more active pursuit)
Antonyms include:
- 無欲 (muyoku) – lack of desire, indifference
- 満足 (manzoku) – satisfaction, contentment (implies no further desire)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “欲” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where desires can be seen as both a driving force and a source of conflict. In traditional teachings, moderation in desires is often emphasized.
Proverbs and idioms related to “欲” include:
- 欲をかく (yoku o kaku) – to be greedy, to desire too much
- 欲しがりません勝つまでは (hoshigarimasen katsu made wa) – “I won’t desire until I win,” emphasizing the importance of focus and restraint.