1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “漁” (gyo) means “fishing” or “to fish.” It refers to the act of catching fish or other aquatic animals, and it is commonly associated with both commercial and recreational fishing activities.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “漁” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of water and the act of catching. It consists of the radical “氵” (water) on the left, which indicates its relation to aquatic environments, and the character “魚” (fish) on the right, which signifies the target of the activity.
The radical “氵” is a variant of “水” (water), emphasizing the connection to water-related activities.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “漁” are:
- 漁師 (りょうし, ryoushi) – fisherman
- 漁業 (ぎょぎょう, gyogyou) – fishing industry
- 漁獲 (ぎょかく, gyokaku) – catch (of fish)
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼は毎週末、漁に出かけます。」 (かれはまいしゅうまつ、りょうにでかけます。) – “He goes fishing every weekend.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 捕 (ほ, ho) – to catch (more general, can refer to catching animals or objects)
- 釣 (つり, tsuri) – to fish (specifically refers to angling or using a fishing rod)
Antonyms include:
- 養 (よう, you) – to cultivate (as in farming or raising fish)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “漁” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where fishing has been a vital source of food and livelihood for centuries. Traditional fishing methods and festivals are celebrated in various regions of Japan.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to fishing include:
- 「釣りは待つことが大事」 (つりはまつことがだいじ) – “In fishing, patience is important.”
This reflects the cultural significance of patience and skill in both fishing and life.