1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “翁” (pronounced “ō” or “okina”) refers to an old man or elder, often associated with wisdom and experience. It can also denote a grandfather figure in a familial context.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “翁” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical 老 (meaning “old”) and the phonetic component 音 (which contributes to its pronunciation). This character is categorized as a 形声文字 (phono-semantic compound), where the meaning is derived from the radical and the sound from the phonetic component.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “翁” are:
- 翁長 (Okinaga) – a surname
- 翁の声 (okina no koe) – the voice of an elder
In everyday conversation, you might hear:
「あの翁はとても知恵があります。」
(That elder has a lot of wisdom.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 老人 (rōjin) – meaning “old person,” but more general and can refer to any elderly individual.
- 長老 (chōrō) – meaning “elder” or “chief,” often used in a community or tribal context.
Antonyms include:
- 若者 (wakamono) – meaning “young person,” representing youth and inexperience.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “翁” has significant ties to Japanese culture, often symbolizing respect for the elderly and the wisdom they possess. In traditional Japanese society, elders are revered, and their experiences are valued.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that reflect this cultural respect include:
- 「年寄りの知恵」 (toshiyori no chie) – meaning “the wisdom of the elderly,” emphasizing the value of their life experiences.