1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “梨” (nashi) means “pear,” a type of fruit known for its sweet and juicy flesh. It is commonly enjoyed fresh, in desserts, or as juice.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “梨” 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, “里” (ri), contributes to the pronunciation.
The radical of “梨” is “木” (tree), which is often associated with words related to plants and trees.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “梨” are:
- 梨 (nashi) – pear
- 梨の木 (nashi no ki) – pear tree
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「今、梨が旬です。」 (Ima, nashi ga shun desu.) – “Pears are in season now.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 果物 (kudamono) – fruit (a general term for fruits)
- リンゴ (ringo) – apple (another type of fruit)
Antonyms or contrasting kanji include:
- 腐った (kusatta) – rotten (referring to fruit that is no longer fresh)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The pear holds a special place in Japanese culture, often associated with harvest festivals and seasonal celebrations. It is also featured in various traditional dishes.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “梨” include:
- 「梨の花が咲く頃」 (nashi no hana ga saku koro) – “When the pear blossoms bloom,” indicating the arrival of spring.