1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “杉” (sugi) means “cedar,” a type of tree known for its durability and pleasant aroma. It is often associated with traditional Japanese architecture and culture.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “杉” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字) that combines the meaning of a tree with a phonetic component. The left part represents the tree radical (木), indicating that it is related to trees, while the right part suggests the sound.
The radical of “杉” is 木 (tree), which is commonly found in kanji related to plants and trees.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “杉” are:
- 杉の木 (sugi no ki) – cedar tree
- 杉材 (sugi zai) – cedar wood
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「この家は杉の木で作られています。」 (Kono ie wa sugi no ki de tsukurareteimasu.) – “This house is made of cedar wood.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 檜 (hinoki) – cypress, which is also a type of tree but has a different aroma and properties.
Antonyms include:
- 枯れ木 (kareki) – dead tree, which represents the opposite of a living, thriving tree.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The cedar tree holds significant importance in Japanese culture, often used in Shinto shrines and traditional buildings due to its resistance to decay and beautiful appearance.
Proverbs and idioms related to “杉” include:
- 「杉の木の下で休む」 (Sugi no ki no shita de yasumu) – “Resting under the cedar tree,” symbolizing a place of peace and tranquility.