Kanji deeply rooted in Japanese culture carry history and meaning in every stroke. One such essential kanji in our daily lives is “求(きゅう, kyū)”. This article delves into the charm of “求(きゅう, kyū)”, exploring its origins, meanings, usage, and even idioms and proverbs associated with it.
Origin of 求(きゅう, kyū)
The kanji “求(きゅう, kyū)” originates from ancient China and depicts the image of a hand catching a bird. Initially, it represented the act of a hand grasping a bird, and over time, it evolved into its current form. This kanji symbolizes a strong desire or wish to obtain something.
Meaning and Usage of 求(きゅう, kyū)
“求(きゅう, kyū)” means “to seek”, “to demand”, or “to pursue”. It also implies an active effort to acquire something. This kanji is used in various contexts, and its nuances can subtly change depending on the sentence structure.
Readings, Stroke Count, and Radical of 求(きゅう, kyū)
The kanji “求(きゅう, kyū)” has multiple readings in Japanese.
- Readings: The on-yomi (Chinese reading) is “キュウ(kyū)”, and the kun-yomi (Japanese reading) is “もと.める(moto.meru)”.
- Stroke count: “求(きゅう, kyū)” consists of 7 strokes.
- Radical: The radical is 水(さんずい, sanzui), which relates to water-associated kanji.
Idioms, Proverbs, and Expressions Using 求(きゅう, kyū)
There are numerous idioms, proverbs, and expressions that include “求(きゅう, kyū)”. Here are some examples:
- 求職(きゅうしょく, kyūshoku): Seeking a job
- 求心力(きゅうしんりょく, kyūshinryoku): The power to attract people
- 求道(きゅうどう, kyūdō): Seeking the truth
- 求愛(きゅうあい, kyūai): Seeking love from a romantic interest
- 一求九折(いっきゅうきゅうせつ, ikkyū kyūsetsu): Striving hard to achieve a wish
These idioms and expressions highlight the depth of meaning “求(きゅう, kyū)” holds in Japanese.
Summary of 求(きゅう, kyū)
The kanji “求(きゅう, kyū)” has expressed the human desire to seek and wish for something strongly from its formation to the present day. Frequently used in daily life, this kanji shows its presence in various forms within the language. Through “求(きゅう, kyū)”, we can glimpse into the universal desires and wishes of humanity.
