1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “匿” (naku) means “to hide” or “to conceal.” It is often used in contexts where something is kept secret or out of sight.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “匿” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. The left part suggests a sense of hiding or shelter, while the right part contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “匿” is “匚” (hako), which is associated with enclosures or boxes, reinforcing the idea of concealment.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “匿” are “匿住所” (naku jūsho – hiding place) and “匿う” (naku – to hide).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は匿っている人を見つけた。 (Kare wa nakutte iru hito o mitsuketa.) – He found the person who was hiding.
- その情報は匿されている。 (Sono jōhō wa nakasarete iru.) – That information is being concealed.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “隠” (in – to hide), which also means to conceal but can imply a more intentional or secretive action.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite kanji is “公開” (kōkai – to disclose or make public), which means to reveal or show something that was previously hidden.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of hiding or concealment is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with privacy and respect for personal space.
Proverbs and Idioms: An example of an idiom related to this concept is “隠し事は長続きしない” (Kakushigoto wa nagatsuzuki shinai), which means “hidden things do not last long,” emphasizing the idea that secrets are often eventually revealed.