1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “刻” (koku) primarily means “to carve” or “to engrave.” It is often associated with the concept of time, representing a specific moment or a division of time, such as an hour or a quarter of an hour.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “刻” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “to carve” with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “刻” is “刀” (katana), which means “knife” or “sword,” indicating the action of cutting or carving.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “刻” are:
- 刻む (kizamu) – to carve or chop
- 時刻 (jikoku) – time, hour
- 刻印 (kokuin) – engraving or imprint
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この木を刻んで、彫刻を作ります。 (Kono ki o kizande, chōkoku o tsukurimasu.) – I will carve this wood to make a sculpture.
- 今の時刻は何時ですか？ (Ima no jikoku wa nanji desu ka?) – What time is it now?
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “切” (setsu), which also means “to cut,” but it emphasizes the action of cutting rather than the act of carving or engraving.
Antonyms: An antonym for “刻” could be “忘” (bou), which means “to forget,” as it represents the opposite of marking or remembering a moment in time.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “刻” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in traditional arts such as woodblock printing and calligraphy, where precision in carving is essential.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “刻苦勉励” (kakkubennrei), which means to work hard and diligently, emphasizing the importance of time and effort in achieving goals.