1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “恥” (haji) means “shame” or “embarrassment.” It represents the feeling of being ashamed or the state of feeling dishonored in social contexts.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “恥” is composed of two parts: the radical “心” (kokoro), which means “heart” or “mind,” and the phonetic component “知” (chi), which relates to knowledge or awareness. This combination suggests that shame is a feeling that arises from the heart and is connected to one’s awareness of social norms.
The radical “心” indicates that this kanji is related to emotions and feelings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “恥” are:
- 恥ずかしい (hazukashii) – embarrassing
- 恥辱 (chijoku) – disgrace
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 彼は恥ずかしい思いをした。 (Kare wa hazukashii omoi o shita.) – He felt embarrassed.
- 恥をかくことは誰にでもある。 (Haji o kaku koto wa dare ni demo aru.) – Everyone experiences shame at some point.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 羞恥 (shūchi) – shame, which emphasizes a more intense feeling of embarrassment.
Antonyms include:
- 誇り (hokori) – pride, which represents a positive self-regard and confidence.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
In Japanese culture, “恥” plays a significant role in social interactions, as maintaining face and avoiding shame are important values. The concept of “wa” (harmony) often relates to avoiding actions that could bring shame to oneself or others.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions include:
- 恥をかく (haji o kaku) – to lose face, which means to be embarrassed or humiliated.
- 恥を忍ぶ (haji o shinobu) – to endure shame, indicating the act of bearing embarrassment for a greater good.