The Kanji: 覚 (Kaku / Obo)
The kanji 覚 (read as Kaku or obo) primarily means "to remember," "to memorize," or "to awaken." This character combines the radical for "to see" (見) with a phonetic component, creating the idea of capturing something with your mind's eye. Its meanings span from mental awareness (memory) to physical awareness (waking up).
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 覚える (oboeru)
Meaning: To remember; to memorize; to learn.
Example Sentence: 子供は言葉を早く覚えます。
(Kodomo wa kotoba o hayaku oboemasu.)
"Children memorize words quickly."
2. 記憶 (kioku)
Meaning: Memory; recollection.
Example Sentence: その出来事は私の記憶に残っています。
(Sono dekigoto wa watashi no kioku ni nokotte imasu.)
"That event remains in my memory."
3. 目覚ます (mezamasu)
Meaning: To awaken (someone); to wake up.
Example Sentence: アラームが私を目覚ました。
(Arāmu ga watashi o mezamashita.)
"The alarm awakened me."
4. 感覚 (kankaku)
Meaning: Sense; sensation; feeling.
Example Sentence: 寒さで指の感覚がなくなった。
(Samusa de yubi no kankaku ga nakunatta.)
"I lost the feeling in my fingers from the cold."
In summary, 覚 is a versatile kanji centered around consciousness and perception, covering the act of memorization (覚える), the state of awareness (目覚ます), and even sensory perception (感覚).