1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “凹” (pronounced “ō” or “o”) means “concave” or “depressed.” It describes a surface that is hollowed out or indented, contrasting with its counterpart “凸” (convex).
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “凹” is a phono-semantic compound, which combines a semantic component that suggests its meaning with a phonetic element that indicates its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “凹” is “冂” (which often relates to the concept of a hollow or open space).
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: “凹凸” (おうとつ, “ōtotsu”) means “unevenness” or “irregularity,” combining both “凹” and its opposite “凸.”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- このテーブルは凹んでいるので、使いにくいです。 (This table is concave, making it difficult to use.)
- その道は凹凸が多いので、運転に注意が必要です。 (That road has many bumps, so you need to be careful while driving.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: “凹” is similar to “窪” (くぼ, “kubo”), which also means “depression” but is often used in a more specific context, such as a dip in the ground.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite of “凹” is “凸” (とつ, “totsu”), which means “convex” or “protruding.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “凹” can be seen in various aspects of Japanese aesthetics, where the beauty of imperfection and irregularity is appreciated, such as in traditional pottery.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there may not be specific proverbs that use “凹,” the idea of embracing flaws and imperfections is a common theme in Japanese culture, often reflected in sayings about nature and art.