1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “桜” (sakura) means “cherry blossom.” It represents the beautiful pink flowers that bloom on cherry trees, which are highly celebrated in Japan during the spring season.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “桜” is a compound character (会意文字) made up of two parts: the radical “木” (tree) and the phonetic component “央” (ou). The “木” radical indicates that it is related to trees, while “央” contributes to the pronunciation.
The radical “木” signifies anything related to trees or wood, which is fitting for the cherry blossom, as it is a tree that produces beautiful flowers.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “桜” are:
- 桜の花 (sakura no hana) – cherry blossom flowers
- 桜祭り (sakura matsuri) – cherry blossom festival
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「春になると、桜が咲きます。」(Haru ni naru to, sakura ga sakimasu.) – “In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 梅 (ume) – plum blossom, which blooms earlier than cherry blossoms and has a different cultural significance.
Antonyms or contrasting kanji include:
- 枯れ (kare) – to wither or die, representing the opposite of the blooming beauty of cherry blossoms.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The cherry blossom holds a significant place in Japanese culture, symbolizing the transient nature of life and beauty. It is celebrated during hanami (flower viewing) parties, where people gather to appreciate the blossoms.
Proverbs and idioms related to “桜” include:
- 「桜吹雪」(sakura fubuki) – “cherry blossom snow,” referring to the petals falling like snow, symbolizing fleeting beauty.