1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “酔” (pronounced “sui” in Japanese) means “to be drunk” or “intoxicated.” It is commonly associated with the effects of alcohol consumption, but it can also refer to being overwhelmed by emotions or experiences.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “酔” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “alcohol” (酉) with a phonetic component that suggests the pronunciation. The radical indicates its relation to drinking and fermentation.
Radical: The radical for “酔” is 酉, which is related to alcohol and fermentation.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 酔っ払い (yopparai) – drunk person
- 酔う (you) – to get drunk
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 昨夜、友達と飲んで酔っ払った。(Sakuya, tomodachi to nonde yopparatta.) – Last night, I drank with my friends and got drunk.
- 彼はお酒に酔うと、いつも面白くなる。(Kare wa osake ni you to, itsumo omoshiroku naru.) – He always becomes funny when he gets drunk on alcohol.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 酔う (you) – to get drunk (verb form)
- 酔い (yoi) – drunkenness (noun form)
Antonyms:
- sober (not intoxicated) – The kanji for sober is 清 (sei), which means “clear” or “pure.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japan, drinking is often a social activity, and the concept of being “酔” is tied to various cultural practices, such as drinking parties (nomikai) and festivals.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 酔いしれる (yoishireru) – to be intoxicated (not just by alcohol, but by emotions or experiences).
- 酔っ払っても、明日は仕事だ。(Yopparatte mo, ashita wa shigoto da.) – Even if I get drunk, I have work tomorrow.