Page 51 - Japanese Character Writing for Dummies

cow, cattle

A cow is not a sacred animal in Japan. Nevertheless, the Japanese consider eating it a “sacred”
experience, as Kobe beef is good “melting meat,” and one of the best in the world! Thus, the

GYŪ/ushi Japanese eat not only sushi, but also grilled or stewed 牛 ushi. Beef bowls called
gyūdon are very popular as well.

Radical: 牛 Number of strokes: four

fish

Japan is known for its cuisine based on raw fish, such as sushi and sashimi. But fish are also
grilled there, and you can find grilled mackerel, salmon, saber-fish, and so on. The combi-

GYO/sakana, nation of 金 (gold) and 魚 (fish) makes kingyo (gold fish). There are also decorative
fish — carp, or koi — swimming in basins, and you can even find them floating in the wind.
The floating koi is called koinobori, which celebrates “Children’s Day.” But these are made of
uo fabric or paper, so they’re not for your empty stomach!

Radical: 魚 Number of strokes: eleven

CHAPTER 3 105 Characters 45