1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “桃” (momo) means “peach,” referring to the fruit that is sweet and juicy. It is also associated with the peach tree.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “桃” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字), which combines a meaning component and a sound component. The left part, “木” (tree), indicates that it is related to a plant, while the right part, “桃,” provides the phonetic sound.
The radical of “桃” is “木” (tree), which is commonly used in kanji related to plants and trees.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “桃” are:
- 桃の花 (momo no hana) – peach blossom
- 桃色 (momoiro) – peach color
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「この桃はとても甘いです。」(Kono momo wa totemo amai desu.) – “This peach is very sweet.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 果物 (kudamono) – fruit (general term)
- 梨 (nashi) – pear (another type of fruit)
Antonyms or contrasting kanji include:
- 苦 (ku) – bitter, which contrasts with the sweetness of peaches.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
In Japanese culture, peaches are often associated with good fortune and longevity. They are featured in various festivals and traditional stories.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “桃” include:
- 桃栗三年、柿八年 (Momo kuri sannen, kaki hachinen) – “Peach and chestnut trees take three years, while persimmons take eight years to bear fruit,” meaning that good things take time to develop.