1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “凄” (pronounced “sugoi”) generally means “amazing,” “incredible,” or “terrific.” It is often used to express admiration or astonishment at something impressive or extraordinary.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “凄” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines the radical for “ice” (氷) and a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation. This combination conveys a sense of something cold or extreme, which aligns with its meaning of being impressive or overwhelming.
Radical: The radical of “凄” is “氷” (ice), which is often associated with coldness or intensity.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “凄” are:
- 凄い (すごい, sugoi) – amazing, awesome
- 凄まじい (すさまじい, susamajii) – tremendous, extraordinary
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この景色は凄いですね！ (このけしきはすごいですね！) – This view is amazing!
- 彼のパフォーマンスは凄まじかった。 (かれのぱふぉーまんすはすさまじかった。) – His performance was extraordinary.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “素晴らしい” (すばらしい, subarashii), which also means “wonderful” but carries a slightly different nuance, often implying beauty or excellence rather than sheer amazement.
Antonyms: An antonym of “凄” could be “平凡” (へいぼん, heibon), meaning “ordinary” or “common,” which conveys a lack of impressiveness.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “凄” is often used in various aspects of Japanese culture, including literature, music, and art, to express awe and admiration. It reflects the Japanese appreciation for beauty and excellence in various forms.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “凄いことをする” (すごいことをする, sugoi koto o suru), which means “to do something amazing,” often used to encourage someone to achieve great things.