1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “腺” (sen) refers to a gland in the body, which is an organ that produces and secretes substances such as hormones or other fluids. It is commonly used in medical and biological contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “腺” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines the radical for “flesh” (肉) on the left side, indicating its relation to the body, and the phonetic component “sen” (先) on the right side, which provides the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “腺” is 肉 (niku), which relates to the flesh or body, emphasizing its biological significance.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used terms that include “腺” are:
- 甲状腺 (こうじょうせん, koujousen) – Thyroid gland
- 副腎腺 (ふくじんせん, fukujinsen) – Adrenal gland
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「彼は甲状腺の病気を持っています。」(かれはこうじょうせんのびょうきをもっています。) – “He has a thyroid gland disease.”
- 「副腎腺はストレスに反応します。」(ふくじんせんはすとれすにはんのうします。) – “The adrenal gland responds to stress.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “腫” (しゅ, shu), which means “tumor” or “swelling.” While both relate to bodily conditions, “腺” specifically refers to glands, whereas “腫” refers to abnormal growths.
Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for “腺,” but in a broader context, one might consider “無” (む, mu), meaning “none” or “without,” as it indicates the absence of something, contrasting with the presence of glands.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of glands is significant in traditional Japanese medicine, where the balance of bodily functions is crucial for health. Understanding the role of glands can be linked to holistic health practices.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there are no specific proverbs that directly mention “腺,” discussions about health and the body often reference the importance of maintaining balance, which can indirectly relate to the functions of glands.