Each Japanese character has its own history and is deeply rooted in our lives. The kanji “課” (カ) is no exception. Used in a wide range of scenes from business to school classrooms, what meanings are imbued in this kanji? In this article, we will thoroughly explain the origins, meanings, usage, pronunciation, and idiomatic expressions that use “課” (カ).
The Origin (Etymology) of 課
The kanji “課” (カ) can trace its origins back to ancient Chinese oracle bone script. It was originally a combination of the character meaning “shell” (貝) and the character for “speech” (言), indicating the act of paying shell currency as tax. Later, it came to be used in the sense of imposing an action or task, as in “課す” (to impose) and “課題” (assignment).
Meaning and Usage of 課
The kanji “課” (カ) is used in forms such as “課す” (to impose), “課題” (assignment), and “課程” (course), with meanings related to setting responsibilities or duties and work or problems given for a certain purpose. In the form of “課税” (taxation), it refers to the act of collecting taxes. All these usages derive from the original meaning of paying with shell currency.
Pronunciation, Stroke Count, and Radical of 課
To properly understand the kanji “課” (カ), it is important to know its pronunciation and structure.
- Pronunciation: The onyomi (Chinese reading) is “カ” (ka), and there is no particular kunyomi (Japanese reading).
- Stroke Count: It has a total of 15 strokes.
- Radical: The radical is “言” (ことばへん – kotobahen), which is also called the “speech” radical.
Idioms, Colloquial Expressions, and Proverbs Using 課 and Their Meanings
There are many idioms and expressions that include “課” (カ), each reflecting an aspect of Japanese culture and history. For example, “課題” (assignment) refers to a problem to be solved in education or work, “課程” (course) signifies a series of flows or stages to be learned. Additionally, “課税” (taxation) means the act of levying taxes, and “課長” (section chief) denotes the position of a department head. These words are frequently used in our daily and social lives.
Summary of 課
The kanji “課” (カ) is an indispensable character when indicating duties, responsibilities, or the process of learning. By understanding the transition from its origins to the present day, we can gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history behind the words. Knowledge of “課” (カ), a kanji familiar to many as part of Japan’s commonly used characters, leads to a richer expressive ability in using language.
