1. Kanji Breakdown: 獣
This kanji represents a specific category of animals, distinct from humans, birds, or fish.
Meaning: Beast, animal, wild animal. It specifically refers to mammals, particularly four-legged wild beasts, and carries a connotation of a non-human, primal creature.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ジュウ (juu)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): けもの (kemono)
The kanji is a compound ideograph (会意文字). Its traditional form depicted a hunting dog (犬) and an ancient vessel used in rituals, suggesting an animal captured or used in a hunt. The modern form can be broken down as:
Top (㹜): A double "dog" radical, emphasizing the animal nature.
Bottom (嘼): A component related to the head of an animal or a vessel for containing animals.
The core idea is that of a "hunted or predatory animal," hence "beast."
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and correct kanji. "獣" is a complex character with 16 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 16
Start with the left part of the top double-dog radical (㹜):
Then, write the right part of the top double-dog radical:
Finally, write the bottom part "嘼":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom, left to right.
The top part (㹜) should be written as two distinct but connected parts.
The bottom part (嘼) is complex. Break it down into the "田" shape and the base.
Due to its high stroke count, careful spacing is key to keeping the character legible. It should be roughly square.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "獣" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
獣 (けもの, kemono)
Meaning: Beast, wild animal.
Example: 暗闇には獣が潜んでいるかもしれない。
Romaji: Kurayami ni wa kemono ga hisunde iru kamoshirenai.
English: A wild beast might be lurking in the darkness.
獣医 (じゅうい, juui)
Meaning: Veterinarian (literally, "beast doctor").
Example: 私の犬を獣医に連れて行った。
Romaji: Watashi no inu o juui ni tsurete itta.
English: I took my dog to the veterinarian.
野獣 (やじゅう, yajuu)
Meaning: Wild beast, brute.
Example: サファリパークで野獣を見た。
Romaji: Safari Pāku de yajuu o mita.
English: I saw wild beasts at the safari park.
猛獣 (もうじゅう, moujuu)
Meaning: Fierce beast, wild animal of prey.
Example: ライオンは百獣の王と呼ばれる猛獣だ。
Romaji: Raion wa hyakujuu no ō to yobareru moujuu da.
English: The lion is a fierce beast called the king of all animals.
獣性 (じゅうせい, juusei)
Meaning: Animal instinct, brutish nature.
Example: 彼の目には一瞬獣性が光った。
Romaji: Kare no me ni wa isshun juusei ga hikatta.
English: For a moment, a brutish instinct flashed in his eyes.
Summary
Kanji: 獣
Core Meaning: Beast, Wild Animal. It specifically refers to four-legged mammals, often with a wild or primal connotation.
Readings: On'yomi ジュウ (juu), Kun'yomi けもの (kemono)
Stroke Order: 16 strokes. This is a very complex character. Practice by breaking it down into its top (㹜) and bottom (嘼) components.
This kanji is essential for vocabulary related to wildlife, veterinary medicine, and describing primal instincts. By mastering its challenging stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this powerful character.