1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “亭” (tei) generally refers to a pavilion or a small building, often used for leisure or entertainment purposes. It can also imply a place where people gather, such as a tea house or a restaurant.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “亭” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “roof” (亠) and the phonetic component “廷” (tei), which relates to a court or a hall.
Radical: The radical of “亭” is 亠, which signifies something that is covered or has a roof, indicating its connection to buildings or structures.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “亭” are “茶亭” (chatei – tea pavilion) and “観光亭” (kankoutei – sightseeing pavilion).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「週末に新しい茶亭に行く予定です。」(Shuumatsu ni atarashii chatei ni iku yotei desu.) – “I plan to go to a new tea pavilion this weekend.”
- 「公園の中に美しい亭があります。」(Kouen no naka ni utsukushii tei ga arimasu.) – “There is a beautiful pavilion in the park.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “館” (kan), which also refers to a building or hall but often implies a larger structure, such as a museum or a hotel.
Opposite Meaning Kanji: An antonym could be “空” (sora), meaning “sky” or “empty,” which contrasts with the idea of a physical structure or gathering place.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “亭” is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with traditional tea ceremonies and leisure activities in nature.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common phrase is “亭主関白” (teishu kanpaku), which refers to a husband who is the dominant figure in the household, reflecting traditional gender roles in Japanese society.