1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “貼” (pronounced “haru” or “chou”) means “to stick,” “to paste,” or “to attach.” It is commonly used in contexts where something is affixed to another surface, such as sticking a label or attaching a photo.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “貼” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “cloth” (巾) and the character “to attach” (接), symbolizing the action of attaching something to a surface.
Radical: The radical of “貼” is 巾 (kin), which relates to cloth or fabric, indicating its connection to materials that can be stuck or pasted.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “貼” are:
- 貼紙 (はりがみ, harigami) – sticker
- 貼付 (ちょうふ, choufu) – attachment
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この貼紙をドアに貼ってください。 (このはりがみをドアにはってください。) – Please stick this sticker on the door.
- 彼はポスターを壁に貼った。 (かれはポスターをかべにはった。) – He pasted the poster on the wall.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “接” (せつ, setsu), which means “to connect” or “to join.” While both involve the idea of attachment, “接” emphasizes the act of connecting rather than sticking.
Antonyms: An antonym for “貼” is “剥がす” (はがす, hagasu), which means “to peel off” or “to remove,” indicating the opposite action of detaching something that has been stuck.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of sticking or attaching is significant in Japanese culture, especially in arts and crafts, where materials are often combined to create intricate designs.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “貼り付ける” (はりつける, haritsukeru), which means “to stick on” and is often used in contexts involving creativity or decoration.