Translation and Meaning of: 獣 - kedamono

The Japanese word 獣 (けだもの, kedamono) carries meanings and nuances that go beyond simple translation. If you're looking to understand its usage, origin, or how it’s perceived in Japanese culture, this article explores all of that clearly and directly. Here, you will find everything from the basic meaning to curiosities about its use in everyday and cultural contexts, all based on reliable sources.

In addition to uncovering what 獣 represents, we will discuss its writing in kanji, its frequency in the language, and how it can appear in dialogues or Japanese media. Whether for study or pure curiosity, this text is a comprehensive guide for those who want to master the use of this word without falling into traps of translation or misinterpretation.

Meaning and usage of 獣 (けだもの)

In its most basic form, 獣 (kedamono) means "animal" or "beast," but with a connotation that often refers to wild or undomesticated creatures. Unlike 動物 (どうぶつ, doubutsu), which is a neutral term for "animal," 獣 carries a rougher tone, sometimes even pejorative, depending on the context.

In the Japanese language, this word can be used to literally describe fierce animals, such as wolves or bears, but also metaphorically to refer to people considered cruel or devoid of humanity. For example, in mangas or dramas, a violent villain may be called 獣 to emphasize their wild nature.

Origin and writing of the kanji 獣

The kanji 獣 is made up of the radical 犬 (いぬ, inu), which means "dog," combined with other strokes that historically represent captured or hunted animals. This construction reflects the idea of creatures that have not been domesticated, retaining their original ferocity. Sources such as Kanjipedia and the dictionary 漢字源 confirm this relationship between the radical and its meaning.

It is worth noting that the reading けだもの (kedamono) is one of the kun'yomi forms of the character, while the on'yomi reading, ジュウ (juu), appears in compound terms such as 獣医 (じゅうい, juui), which means "veterinarian." This duality of readings is common in kanji, but in the case of 獣, the kun'yomi form is more commonly used in everyday life.

Cultural context and frequency in the language

Although it is not an extremely common word, 獣 appears in specific expressions and situations, often to convey an idea of savagery or lack of control. In folklore, for example, you may find it describing monsters or animal spirits, reinforcing their darker and more unpredictable side.

In animes and mangas, its use is often dramatic, serving to highlight the transformation of a character into something non-human, whether literally or metaphorically. Series like "Berserk" or "Dororo" use this word to emphasize the struggle between humanity and animal instinct, a recurring theme in Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

獣 (獣; けもの) - Animal, usually used to refer to wild animals or beasts.
けだもの (けだもの) - Living beings, often used to refer to animals in a more colloquial or informal manner.