1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “羨” (sen) means “to envy” or “to admire.” It expresses a feeling of longing for what someone else possesses, often accompanied by a sense of jealousy.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “羨” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “sheep” (羊) with the phonetic component “sen” (先), which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “羨” is 羊 (sheep), which often relates to concepts of gentleness or pastoral life.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 羨望 (せんぼう, senbō) – envy, admiration
- 羨ましい (うらやましい, urayamashii) – envious, jealous
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼の成功が羨ましいです。 (かれのせいこうがうらやましいです。) – I envy his success.
- 友達の旅行の話を聞いて羨望を感じました。 (ともだちのりょこうのはなしをきいてせんぼうをかんじました。) – I felt envy after hearing my friend’s travel stories.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 嫉妬 (しっと, shitto) – jealousy; while “羨” expresses admiration mixed with envy, “嫉妬” focuses more on resentment towards someone else’s success.
Antonyms:
- 賞賛 (しょうさん, shōsan) – admiration; this term conveys a positive appreciation without the negative connotation of envy.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, feelings of envy can be complex, often intertwined with social dynamics and personal relationships. The concept of “羨” reflects the human tendency to compare oneself with others.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「隣の芝生は青い」 (となりのしばふはあおい, tonari no shibafu wa aoi) – “The grass is greener on the other side,” which relates to the feeling of envy towards others’ situations.