Kanji: 拷 (Gō) - Torture
The Japanese kanji 拷 (gō) carries the core meaning of "torture," "torment," or "inflicting severe pain." It specifically refers to causing physical or mental suffering, often in contexts of interrogation or punishment.
Stroke Order & Writing:
Begin with the left radical 扌(hand): a horizontal stroke, vertical hook, and rising stroke.
Write the right component 考: start with the top horizontal, the cross shape, then the lower part with the left-slanting stroke.
Common Vocabulary & Usage:
拷問 (gōmon): Torture, interrogation by torture. "中世の拷問器具は恐ろしい。" (Medieval torture devices are terrifying.)
拷問する (gōmon suru): To torture. "捕虜を拷問することは国際法違反だ。" (It's a violation of international law to torture prisoners of war.)
拷問台 (gōmondai): Rack (torture device). "その部屋には拷問台が置かれていた。" (A torture rack was placed in the room.)
This kanji appears primarily in historical, legal, and dramatic contexts related to inflicting severe physical or psychological pain.