1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “難” (nan) means “difficult” or “hard.” It is often used to describe challenges or obstacles that are not easy to overcome.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “難” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “隹” (which represents a bird) and the character “難” itself, which suggests the idea of something being difficult or challenging.
The radical “隹” is often associated with birds, but in this context, it contributes to the overall meaning of difficulty.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “難” are:
- 難しい (むずかしい, muzukashii) – difficult
- 難問 (なんもん, nanmon) – difficult question
- 困難 (こんなん, konnan) – hardship
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- この問題は難しいです。 (このもんだいはむずかしいです。) – This problem is difficult.
- 彼は難問に直面しています。 (かれはなんもんにちょくめんしています。) – He is facing a difficult question.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 困難 (こんなん, konnan) – hardship, which emphasizes the struggle involved.
- 難解 (なんかい, nankai) – difficult to understand, often used in the context of complex texts.
Antonyms include:
- 簡単 (かんたん, kantan) – easy, which represents the opposite of difficulty.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “難” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often reflecting the values of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. It is commonly found in proverbs and idiomatic expressions.
For example, the proverb “七転び八起き” (ななころびやおき, nana korobi ya oki) translates to “fall seven times, stand up eight,” emphasizing the importance of overcoming difficulties.