1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “摘” (pronounced “taku” or “saku”) generally means “to pick” or “to pluck.” It is often used in the context of harvesting fruits or flowers, as well as selecting or choosing something.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “摘” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “手” (meaning “hand”) which indicates an action performed by hand, and the character “摘” itself, which suggests the act of picking or plucking.
Radical: The radical of “摘” is “手” (shou), which is commonly associated with actions involving the hands.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “摘” are:
- 摘み取る (つみとる, tsumitoru) – to pick or pluck
- 摘発 (てきはつ, tekihatsu) – to uncover or expose (often used in legal contexts)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この花を摘んでもいいですか？ (このはなをつんでもいいですか？) – Can I pick this flower?
- 彼は果物を摘むのが得意です。 (かれはくだものをつむのがとくいです。) – He is good at picking fruits.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “取” (とる, toru), which means “to take” or “to grab.” However, “取” is more general and can refer to taking something without the specific action of picking.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “置” (おく, oku), which means “to place” or “to put down,” indicating the action of setting something down rather than picking it up.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The act of picking flowers or fruits is often celebrated in Japanese culture, especially during festivals like Hanami (flower viewing) where cherry blossoms are admired and sometimes picked.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “花は摘むもの” (はなはつむもの, hana wa tsumu mono), which translates to “Flowers are meant to be picked,” emphasizing the beauty and transience of nature.