1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “河” (kawa) means “river.” It represents a flowing body of water, typically larger than a stream, and is an essential part of the natural landscape.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “河” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for water (氵) with the phonetic component “可” (ka), which gives a clue to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “河” is 氵, which is a variant of 水 (mizu), meaning “water.” This radical is commonly found in kanji related to water.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “河” are:
- 河川 (kasen) – rivers and streams
- 河口 (kakou) – river mouth
- 河岸 (kagan) – riverbank
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この河はとても美しいです。 (Kono kawa wa totemo utsukushii desu.) – This river is very beautiful.
- 河の近くでピクニックをしましょう。 (Kawa no chikaku de pikunikku o shimashou.) – Let’s have a picnic near the river.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “川” (kawa), which also means “river” but is often used for smaller rivers or streams.
Antonyms: An antonym could be “山” (yama), meaning “mountain,” as it represents a different type of natural landscape.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: Rivers have significant cultural importance in Japan, often associated with life, nature, and spirituality. They are featured in many traditional stories and artworks.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common proverb is “河の流れに身を任せる” (kawa no nagare ni mi o makaseru), which means “to go with the flow,” reflecting the idea of adapting to circumstances.