Japanese written culture has a deep history, and common kanji are an indispensable part of everyday life for the Japanese people. However, depending on how frequently they are used, some kanji’s meanings and origins may be forgotten. The kanji “惧(く)” holds a particularly deep significance but is rarely seen in daily life. In this article, we will delve into the origins, modern usage, readings, and radicals of “惧(く)” to rediscover the rich expressive power of this character.
Origin of 惧(く) (Etymology)
The kanji “惧(く)” was formed in ancient China, combining the “忄(りっしんべん)” radical, which represents “heart,” with the character “具(ぐ).” Originally, “具(ぐ)” meant “to prepare,” and from this, the meaning evolved to “the heart being prepared,” indicating fear or apprehension. Thus, “惧(く)” came to express feelings of fear or awe.
Meaning and Usage of 惧(く)
The kanji “惧(く)” means “to fear” or “to be afraid,” mainly used to denote negative emotions or psychological states. Specifically, it refers to feelings of reverence or the urge to escape from something. In legal contexts, “惧(く)” can also be written as “懼(く),” used in more formal situations. Common usage includes phrases like “to hold fear” or “to feel awe.”
Readings, Stroke Count, and Radical of 惧(く)
The kanji “惧(く)” is not very common in Japan, so its readings, stroke count, and radical might be unfamiliar.
- Readings: On’yomi (Chinese reading) – く; Kun’yomi (Japanese reading) – おそれる
- Stroke count: 15 strokes
- Radical: The radical is “忄(りっしんべん),” which is related to the heart
Idioms, Phrases, and Proverbs Using 惧(く)
Idioms, phrases, and proverbs containing “惧(く)” often express feelings of fear or reverence. Here are some examples:
- 懼色(くしょく)をなくす: To hide one’s fear so that it does not show on their face.
- 懼(おそ)れ入る: To feel humbled or to show respect to someone.
- 懼怕(くは): To feel deep fear.
Conclusion on 惧(く)
The kanji “惧(く)” has been used to convey unique emotions of fear and awe since ancient times in both Chinese and Japanese cultures. Although it is not frequently seen in modern Japan, it appears in legal terms and specific idioms. Through this exploration, we hope you have gained a deeper understanding of the meaning and background of “惧(く).” Learning the history and culture embedded in each kanji helps deepen language comprehension and enrich expressive capabilities.
