1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “潜” (sen) means “to dive” or “to submerge.” It conveys the idea of going beneath the surface, whether literally, as in diving into water, or metaphorically, as in exploring hidden aspects of something.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “潜” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for water (氵) with the phonetic component “sen,” which suggests the sound and meaning related to diving or submerging.
Radical: The radical of “潜” is 氵, which is related to water, indicating its connection to the act of diving or being submerged in water.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 潜水 (せんすい, sensui) – diving
- 潜伏 (せんぷく, senpuku) – lurking or hiding
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は海で潜水を楽しんでいます。 (かれはうみでせんすいをたのしんでいます。) – He enjoys diving in the sea.
- その魚は水中に潜んでいます。 (そのさかなはすいちゅうにひそんでいます。) – That fish is lurking underwater.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 隠 (いん, in) – to hide; while both “潜” and “隠” involve concealment, “潜” specifically relates to being submerged or hidden in water.
Antonyms:
- 浮 (ふ, fu) – to float; this kanji represents the opposite action of being submerged.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of diving is significant in Japanese culture, especially in relation to traditional practices like ama (海女), female divers who collect seafood. This highlights the connection between the kanji “潜” and the sea.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 潜む者は、必ず現れる (ひそむものは、かならずあらわれる) – “Those who hide will eventually be revealed.” This proverb reflects the idea that hidden truths will come to light.