According to Jisho, 産 (taught by WaniKani as “Give Birth” or “Birth”) basically has three meanings:
(giving) birth,
native of/product of, and
assets; property; fortune
If WaniKani taught “Property” as an alternate definition, then suddenly, a lot of the Vocabulary words which use 産 suddenly become a lot easier to remember.
Bankruptcy 倒産 = Overthrow + Property (as opposed to Overthrow + Give Birth)
Bankruptcy 破産 = Tear + Property (as opposed to Tear + Give Birth)
Communist Party 共産党 = Share + Property + Party (as opposed to the Share + Birth + Party)
Very good point you’re making. Let’s not forget to tag someone from the WK team as well, this way you will be noticed a lot quicker. @TofuguJenny might I suggest you take a look at this?
The feeling I get is that births (children) were a sign of prosperity in ancient times.
I’ve no idea if this makes sense etymologically, but while births as “assets” seems pretty mercenary/cold-hearted, it seems closer to the core meaning/concept. “Property,” of course, is even more cold-hearted!
I do think “assets” might be closer to the core concept than “property,” though.
