1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “水” (pronounced “mizu” in Japanese) means “water.” It represents the essential liquid that is vital for life, symbolizing purity, fluidity, and adaptability.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “水” is a pictogram, originally depicting a flowing stream or body of water. It belongs to the category of ideograms, as it conveys the concept of water through its shape.
Radical: The radical for “水” is also “水” (or “氵” when used as a component in other kanji), which is commonly associated with water-related meanings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “水” are:
- 水道 (すいどう, suidou) – water supply
- 水分 (すいぶん, suibun) – moisture
- 水泳 (すいえい, suiei) – swimming
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 水をください。 (みずをください, Mizu o kudasai.) – Please give me water.
- 今日は水が冷たいです。 (きょうはみずがつめたいです, Kyou wa mizu ga tsumetai desu.) – The water is cold today.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “液” (えき, eki), which means “liquid.” While both refer to fluids, “液” is often used in a more scientific or technical context.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “火” (ひ, hi), which means “fire.” While “水” represents a liquid that cools and quenches, “火” represents heat and combustion.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Water holds significant importance in Japanese culture, symbolizing life and purity. It is often featured in traditional practices, such as purification rituals in Shinto.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common proverb is “水に流す” (みずにながす, mizu ni nagasu), which means “to let it go” or “to forgive and forget,” emphasizing the idea of water flowing away and not holding onto grudges.