1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “嗅” (pronounced “kyuu” or “kaku”) means “to smell” or “to sniff.” It refers to the action of perceiving scents through the nose.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “嗅” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “mouth” (口) and a phonetic component that suggests the sound. This structure indicates that the action involves the mouth and relates to the sense of smell.
Radical: The radical for “嗅” is 口 (kuchi), which means “mouth.” This radical is commonly associated with actions related to speaking, eating, and, in this case, smelling.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 嗅覚 (きゅうかく, kyuukaku) – sense of smell
- 嗅ぎ分ける (かぎわける, kagiwakeru) – to distinguish smells
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この花の香りを嗅いでみてください。 (このはなのかおりをかいでみてください。) – Please try smelling this flower’s fragrance.
- 犬は嗅覚が鋭いです。 (いぬはきゅうかくがするどいです。) – Dogs have a keen sense of smell.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 匂う (におう, niou) – to smell (often used for pleasant scents)
- 臭う (におう, niou) – to smell (often used for unpleasant odors)
Antonyms:
- 無臭 (むしゅう, mushuu) – odorless
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The sense of smell plays a significant role in Japanese culture, particularly in the appreciation of nature and traditional arts, such as incense ceremonies.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 嗅ぎ分ける (かぎわける, kagiwakeru) – to distinguish between different smells, often used metaphorically to mean discerning subtle differences in situations.