1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 洗 (sen) means “to wash” or “to cleanse.” It is commonly used in contexts related to cleaning, such as washing hands, clothes, or dishes.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 洗 is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the water radical (氵) on the left, indicating a relation to water, with the character 先 (sen) on the right, which contributes to the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for 洗 is 氵, which is a variant of the water radical (水) and signifies that the action involves water.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 洗 are:
- 洗濯 (せんたく, sentaku) – laundry
- 洗面 (せんめん, senmen) – washing one’s face
- 洗剤 (せんざい, senzai) – detergent
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 手を洗ってください。 (Please wash your hands.)
- 毎週末、私は服を洗います。 (I wash my clothes every weekend.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is 清 (sei), which means “to purify” or “to clear.” While both involve cleanliness, 清 often implies a more spiritual or thorough cleansing.
Antonym: A kanji with an opposite meaning is 汚 (o), which means “dirty” or “to make dirty.” This kanji represents the opposite of cleanliness.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, cleanliness is highly valued, and the act of washing is often associated with purification rituals. For example, before entering a shrine, people wash their hands at a purification fountain.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is 洗いざらい (あらいざらい, araizarai), which means “to wash everything clean” or “to reveal everything.” This phrase is often used to indicate transparency or honesty in communication.