The Kanji: 弧 (Ko)
The kanji 弧 (read as ko) carries the specific meaning of "arc," "curve," or "bow." It is composed of the radical 弓 (bow) and the component 瓜 (melon), which together evoke the image of the curved shape of a bow or a melon segment. This character is used to describe any part of a circle or a smooth, curved line.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 弧 (ko)
Meaning: Arc; curve (in geometry or general use).
Example Sentence: コンパスで美しい弧を描いた。
(Konpasu de utsukushii ko o egaita.)
"I drew a beautiful arc with a compass."
2. 円弧 (enko)
Meaning: Circular arc (a specific segment of a circle's circumference).
Example Sentence: この円弧の長さを計算してください。
(Kono enko no nagasa o keisan shite kudasai.)
"Please calculate the length of this circular arc."
3. 弧状 (kojō)
Meaning: Arc-shaped; curved.
Example Sentence: 虹は空に弧状にかかっている。
(Niji wa sora ni kojō ni kakatte iru.)
"A rainbow forms an arc in the sky."
4. 弧光 (kokō)
Meaning: Arc light (the bright light produced by an electric arc).
Example Sentence: 弧光が暗い夜を照らした。
(Kokō ga kurai yoru o terashita.)
"The arc light illuminated the dark night."
In summary, 弧 is a specialized kanji for describing curved lines and segments, particularly in geometry (円弧) and shapes found in nature or technology (弧状, 弧光). It is the fundamental character for any concept involving an arc.