1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “犬” (inu) means “dog” in Japanese. It represents a domesticated animal that is often kept as a pet or used for various purposes such as herding, hunting, and companionship.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “犬” is a pictogram, which means it visually represents the object it denotes. The character itself resembles a dog, emphasizing its meaning. The radical for “犬” is also “犬” (inu), which is used in other kanji related to dogs or similar animals.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include the kanji “犬” are:
- 犬猫 (inuneko) – dogs and cats
- 犬好き (inuzuki) – dog lover
- 犬小屋 (inugoya) – doghouse
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 私の犬はとてもかわいいです。 (Watashi no inu wa totemo kawaii desu.) – My dog is very cute.
- 犬を散歩させるのが好きです。 (Inu o sanpo saseru no ga suki desu.) – I like to take my dog for a walk.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 狼 (okami) – wolf, which is a wild relative of the dog.
- 獣 (kemono) – beast, which can refer to various animals, including dogs.
Antonyms include:
- 猫 (neko) – cat, which is often considered a contrasting pet to dogs.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The dog holds a significant place in Japanese culture, often symbolizing loyalty and companionship. In folklore, dogs are seen as protectors and are associated with good fortune.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to dogs include:
- 犬も歩けば棒に当たる (Inu mo arukeba bō ni ataru) – “Even a dog will bump into a stick if it walks,” meaning that unexpected things can happen when you venture out.