Translation and Meaning of: 匹 - hiki

The word 「匹」, read as "ひき" (hiki), is a Japanese counter predominantly used for small animals such as cats, dogs, and fish. This type of counter is an excellent example of how the Japanese language categorizes items according to their characteristics or uses. The word itself is composed of the Kanji 「匹」, which portrays the idea of a pair, coming from an ancient usage referring to a pair of horses. Despite this initial use, today, the use of 「匹」 is more extensive, referring to small animals in general.

In the etymology of the word, the Kanji 「匹」 is formed by two main radicals: 「匚」, which represents a box or container, and 「儿」, which symbolizes legs or movements. The combination of these radicals conveys the image of something contained or controlled, perhaps reflecting the domestic nature of the animals to which the counter applies. This ancient visual representation has been adapted to modern times, maintaining its relevance in a broader context.

It is interesting to note how the Japanese language uses different counters for different categories of things. In addition to 「匹」, there are also counters like 「羽」 (わ, wa) for birds, and 「頭」 (とう, tou) for large animals. This highlights the cultural importance given to the precise and respectful classification of everything around. Each counter has its historical roots, but the adaptation to current usage demonstrates the flexibility and vitality of the language over time.

Finally, it is worth highlighting how small particularities of the Japanese language, such as the use of counters, can demonstrate cultural and historical aspects. The word 「匹」 (hiki), a simple counter on the surface, reveals centuries of adaptation and the complexity of bringing together culture, writing, and linguistics. Its use remains essential for effective communication about the natural world in the Japanese language, emphasizing the rich tapestry of the language and its ability to adapt to human communication needs.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 匹 (hiki) - classifier for small animals
• 一匹 (ippiki) - um (small animal)
• 一頭 (ittou) - bovine (large animal, like cattle)
• 一匹の動物 (ippiki no doubutsu) - an animal
• 一匹の魚 (ippiki no sakana) - a fish
• 一匹の犬 (ippiki no inu) - a dog
• 一匹の猫 (ippiki no neko) - a cat
• 一匹の馬 (ippiki no uma) - a horse
• 一匹の牛 (ippiki no ushi) - A cow
• 一匹の羊 (ippiki no hitsuji) - a sheep
• 一匹の猪 (ippiki no inoshishi) - a wild boar
• 一匹の猿 (ippiki no saru) - a monkey
• 一匹のウサギ (ippiki no usagi) - a rabbit