1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “冬” (pronounced “fuyu” in Japanese) means “winter.” It represents the coldest season of the year, characterized by low temperatures, snow, and shorter days.
2. Formation and Radicals
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “冬” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines elements that convey both sound and meaning. The character is derived from the ancient pictograph representing a person under a roof, symbolizing shelter from the cold.
Radical: The radical for “冬” is “冬” itself, which is used to denote winter-related concepts in other kanji.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 冬季 (とうき, “tōki”) – winter season
- 冬服 (ふゆふく, “fuyufuku”) – winter clothes
- 冬眠 (とうみん, “tōmin”) – hibernation
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 冬は雪が降ることが多いです。 (Fuyu wa yuki ga furu koto ga ooi desu.) – It often snows in winter.
- 冬服を買う必要があります。 (Fuyufuku o kau hitsuyō ga arimasu.) – I need to buy winter clothes.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 寒 (かん, “kan”) – cold; refers to low temperatures but does not specifically denote the season.
- 霜 (しも, “shimo”) – frost; relates to winter but focuses on the phenomenon rather than the season itself.
Antonyms:
- 夏 (なつ, “natsu”) – summer; the season characterized by warmth and longer days, opposite to winter.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Winter in Japan is associated with various cultural practices, such as celebrating the New Year (正月, “shōgatsu”) and enjoying winter festivals featuring snow and ice sculptures.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 冬来たりなば春遠からじ (Fuyu kitari naba haru tookanraji) – “When winter comes, spring is not far behind.” This proverb conveys hope and the cyclical nature of seasons.