Meaning
The N1 kanji 獲 (kaku, e.ru, u.ru) primarily means “obtain,” “catch,” “acquire,” “procure,” or “harvest.” It implies gaining something, often through effort, hunting, or some form of active pursuit.
As a semantic-phonetic compound, its meaning is hinted at by one part, and its sound by another. Visually, 獲 is composed of two main elements. On the left is the radical 犭 (けものへん), the 'dog' or 'animal' radical. This component immediately suggests hunting or wild animals, setting the stage for actions like catching or seizing.
On the right is the phonetic component 蒦 (カク), which historically related to 'catching' or 'marking.' When combined, the radical 犭 (animal) and the phonetic 蒦 (catch/mark) together suggest 'catching an animal.' This extends to the broader concepts of 'obtaining' or 'acquiring' something. This visual structure helps reinforce the idea of taking possession, often of something alive or gained through effort, making the meaning clear once the components are understood.
With 19 strokes, this kanji has a relatively complex structure. As an N1 kanji, it isn't taught in elementary school and is considered advanced.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 獲 is カク (kaku). You'll often find this reading in compound words, particularly those with formal or abstract meanings related to acquisition and capture. It's essential for understanding vocabulary across academic, legal, and news contexts.
- 獲得 (kakutoku) — acquisition; obtainment; gaining. This is a very common compound, referring to acquiring things like knowledge, rights, or property.
例：彼はその賞を獲得した。
- 捕獲 (hokaku) — capture; seizure. It's often used when catching animals, fish, or even criminals.
例：警察が容疑者を捕獲した。
- 漁獲 (gyokaku) — fishing catch; haul. This specifically refers to the amount of fish or other marine life caught.
例：今年の漁獲量は少なかった。
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) for 獲 are え・る (e.ru) and う・る (u.ru). These readings are used when the kanji functions as a verb, often conjugated with okurigana (hiragana endings), or in native Japanese compound words.
While 獲る is often synonymous with 得る, it frequently carries a stronger nuance of 'catching' or 'hunting for' something, particularly prey or game.
- 獲る (eru) / 獲る (uru) — to obtain; to get; to catch (a target, usually alive). While often interchangeable, 獲る (uru) specifically implies hunting or active pursuit to catch.
例：彼は森で獲物を獲た。
- 獲物 (emono) — prey; game; catch; spoils. This is a common native Japanese compound referring to what is caught or hunted.
例：猫が獲物を狙っている。
Common Words & Compounds
To understand 獲 in context, it helps to be familiar with its common compounds. These terms span various aspects of life, from hunting and fishing to abstract concepts of achievement and acquisition. Here are some key compounds, categorized by theme:
Acquisition & Achievement
- 獲得 (kakutoku) — acquisition; obtainment; gaining. This is a versatile term for acquiring anything from skills to property.
例：新しい技術を獲得する。
- 収穫 (shuukaku) — harvest; crop; results; gains. It's often used metaphorically for the fruits of one's labor or learning.
例：夏の収穫祭は盛大だった。
- 獲得物 (kakutokubutsu) — acquired goods; things obtained.
例：彼の獲得物は非常に多岐にわたる。
Hunting, Fishing & Capture
- 捕獲 (hokaku) — capture; seizure; apprehension. Primarily used for catching living things.
例：動物の捕獲を試みる。
- 漁獲 (gyokaku) — fishing catch; haul. Specific to marine life.
例：多量の漁獲があった。
- 獲物 (emono) — prey; game; catch; spoils. What is caught in hunting.
例：虎が獲物を追っている。
- 不法捕獲 (fuhō hokaku) — illegal capture.
例：希少種の不法捕獲は罰せられる。
Verbal Usage
- 獲る (uru) — to obtain; to get; to catch (a target, usually alive). This is the active verb form.
例：山で鹿を獲った。
Less Common but Instructive
- 戦利品 (senrihin) — spoils of war; trophy. Though 獲 is not in the kanji, the concept of 'obtaining' is central, and it's related to 獲得 in a military context.
- 獲利 (kakuri) — gain; profit. A more direct, though less common, term for profit.
Example Sentences
努力の結果、ついに彼は勝利を獲得した。
Doryoku no kekka, tsuini kare wa shōri o kakutoku shita.
As a result of his efforts, he finally achieved victory.
野生動物の捕獲は、法律で厳しく制限されています。
Yasei dōbutsu no hokaku wa, hōritsu de kibishiku seigen sarete imasu.
The capture of wild animals is strictly regulated by law.
漁師たちは今日、大量の魚を漁獲した。
Ryōshitachi wa kyō, tairyō no sakana o gyokaku shita.
The fishermen caught a large amount of fish today.
猫は忍び足で獲物に近づいた。
Neko wa shinobiashi de emono ni chikazuita.
The cat stealthily approached its prey.
彼は山で大きな猪を獲ったと自慢した。
Kare wa yama de ōkina inoshishi o utta to jiman shita.
He boasted that he had caught a large wild boar in the mountains.
長年の研究が実を結び、素晴らしい収穫を得た。
Naganen no kenkyū ga mi o musubi, subarashī shūkaku o eta.
Years of research bore fruit, yielding wonderful results.
古代の人々は、獲物を獲て生活していた。
Kodai no hitobito wa, emono o ete seikatsu shite ita.
Ancient people lived by hunting for game.
彼は新たなスキルを獲得するため、日々努力している。
Kare wa aratana sukiru o kakutoku suru tame, hibi doryoku shite iru.
He strives daily to acquire new skills.
警察は容疑者の捕獲に成功した。
Keisatsu wa yōgisha no hokaku ni seikō shita.
The police succeeded in capturing the suspect.
彼は世界中を旅して、珍しい知識を獲た。
Kare wa sekaijū o tabi shite, mezurashii chishiki o eta.
He traveled around the world and obtained rare knowledge.
Memory Tip
To remember 獲, break it down into its meaningful components. On the left is the 'animal' radical 犭 (けものへん), which resembles a stylized dog or beast. This immediately suggests hunting or wild animals.
On the right is the phonetic component 蒦 (カク). Though less common on its own, you can visualize 蒦 as a 'net' or 'trap' (the top part suggests a net being cast, the bottom a snare). Alternatively, imagine a 'hawk' swooping down to catch something, with the top of 蒦 resembling a bird's head and wings, and the bottom its talons.
So, imagine an animal (犭) caught in a trap/net or by a hawk (蒦). This image directly connects to 'to catch,' 'to obtain,' or 'to acquire,' making the kanji's meaning memorable.