毒

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 毒 is read as どく and is a noun for poison, a toxic substance capable of harming a living organism.
• Basic usage: A mushroom containing strong poison appears in 茸に強い毒がある, while noticing poison in a cup appears in 杯に毒が入っていると気付く.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Presence and containment
  • Use 毒がある for something being poisonous and 毒が入っている for poison contained in a vessel.
• Difference from 薬
  • Unlike medicine used for treatment or prevention, this word focuses on a harmful property or substance.