1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “浸” (shin) means “to soak” or “to immerse.” It conveys the idea of something being submerged in a liquid, often used in contexts related to water or liquid absorption.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “浸” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the water radical (氵) on the left, indicating its relation to liquid, with the phonetic component “侵” (shin), which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “浸” is “氵” (water), which is commonly found in kanji related to water or liquids.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 浸水 (shinsui) – flooding or immersion in water
- 浸透 (shintou) – penetration or permeation
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この布は水に浸すと柔らかくなります。 (Kono nuno wa mizu ni shitasu to yawarakaku narimasu.) – This fabric becomes soft when soaked in water.
- お米を浸してから炊きます。 (Okome o shite kara takimasu.) – I soak the rice before cooking it.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 浸透 (shintou) – means “to permeate,” focusing on the process of something spreading through a liquid.
- 浸水 (shinsui) – refers specifically to the act of being submerged in water.
Antonyms:
- 乾燥 (kansou) – means “dry” or “to dry,” which is the opposite of soaking.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of soaking is significant in Japanese culture, especially in practices like tea ceremonies and the preparation of traditional dishes, where ingredients are often soaked to enhance flavor and texture.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「水に浸かる」 (mizu ni tsukaru) – literally means “to be submerged in water,” often used metaphorically to describe being deeply involved in something.