1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “鳥” (tori) means “bird” in Japanese. It represents various types of birds and is often used in contexts related to nature, wildlife, and symbolism.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “鳥” is a pictogram, originally depicting a bird. It belongs to the category of ideograms as well, as it conveys the concept of a bird through its shape.
Radical: The radical for “鳥” is also “鳥” (tori), which is used in other kanji related to birds and flying creatures.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “鳥” are:
- 鳥類 (ちょうるい, chōrui) – “birds” or “avian species”
- 鳥肉 (とりにく, toriniku) – “chicken” or “bird meat”
- 鳥の巣 (とりのす, tori no su) – “bird’s nest”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 公園で鳥を見ました。 (こうえんでとりをみました, Kōen de tori o mimashita.) – “I saw a bird in the park.”
- 彼は鳥が好きです。 (かれはとりがすきです, Kare wa tori ga suki desu.) – “He likes birds.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “鳩” (はと, hato), which means “pigeon.” While both refer to birds, “鳩” specifically denotes a type of bird, whereas “鳥” is a more general term.
Opposite Meaning Kanji: There isn’t a direct antonym for “鳥,” but “獣” (けもの, kemono), meaning “beast” or “animal,” can be considered an opposite in the context of categorizing animals.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Birds hold significant symbolism in Japanese culture, often representing freedom, peace, and the connection between the heavens and the earth. They are featured in various art forms, literature, and folklore.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common proverb is “鳥なき里の蝉しぐれ” (とりなきさとのせみしぐれ, tori naki sato no semi shigure), which translates to “In a village without birds, the cicadas cry.” This implies that in the absence of one thing, another becomes more prominent.