1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “燥” (pronounced “sou”) generally means “dry” or “to dry.” It is often used to describe a lack of moisture or humidity in the air or in materials.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “燥” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which means it combines a phonetic component with a semantic component. The left part “火” (fire) suggests a connection to heat, while the right part “喿” (which is not commonly used alone) contributes to the sound and meaning related to dryness.
Radical: The radical of “燥” is “火” (fire), indicating its association with heat and dryness.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 燥気 (そうき, souki) – dry air
- 燥す (そうす, sousu) – to dry something
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation:
今日はとても燥いているので、肌が乾燥しやすいです。
(Translation: “It’s very dry today, so my skin tends to get dry easily.”)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 乾 (かん, kan) – also means “dry,” but can imply a more complete state of dryness.
Antonyms:
- 湿 (しつ, shitsu) – means “wet” or “moist,” representing the opposite of dryness.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of dryness is significant in Japanese culture, especially in relation to climate and agriculture. Understanding dryness is essential for farming practices and seasonal changes.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「乾燥注意報」 (かんそうちゅういほう, kansou chuihou) – “Dryness Warning,” often used in weather reports to alert people about dry conditions.