1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “呉” (pronounced “go” in Japanese) primarily refers to the ancient state of Wu, which existed during the Three Kingdoms period in China. It can also mean “to give” or “to offer” in certain contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “呉” is a phonetic-ideographic character, which means it combines both sound and meaning elements. The left part of the character is the radical “口” (kuchi), which means “mouth,” indicating a connection to speech or communication.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “呉” are:
- 呉服 (gofuku) – traditional Japanese clothing
- 呉れ (kure) – to give (used in informal contexts)
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼は私に本を呉れた。」 (Kare wa watashi ni hon o kureta.) – “He gave me a book.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 与 (yo) – to give, which is more formal and often used in written language.
Antonyms include:
- 取 (toru) – to take, which conveys the opposite action of receiving.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “呉” has significant ties to Japanese culture, particularly through its historical references to the state of Wu. It is often associated with stories and legends from the Three Kingdoms period.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “呉” are less common, but the character is sometimes used in literary contexts to evoke themes of giving and sharing.