1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “逃” (nō) means “to escape” or “to flee.” It conveys the idea of running away from danger or avoiding a situation.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “逃” is a compound character, consisting of the radical “走” (to run) and the phonetic component “逃.” This combination suggests the action of running away.
Radical: The radical of “逃” is “走,” which relates to movement and running.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 逃げる (nigeru) – to escape
- 逃亡 (tōbō) – flight, escape
- 逃げ道 (nigemichi) – escape route
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は危険から逃げた。 (Kare wa kiken kara nigeta.) – He escaped from danger.
- 逃げ道を探している。 (Nigemichi o sagashite iru.) – I am looking for an escape route.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 避ける (sakeru) – to avoid; while both “逃” and “避” involve evasion, “避” emphasizes avoidance rather than fleeing.
Antonyms:
- 進む (susumu) – to advance; this represents moving forward rather than escaping.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of escape is often depicted in Japanese literature and folklore, where characters may flee from danger or pursue freedom.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 逃げるは恥だが役に立つ (Nigeru wa haji da ga yaku ni tatsu) – “Running away is shameful, but it can be useful.” This proverb suggests that sometimes escaping a situation can be a wise choice.