1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “廃” (hai) generally means “to abandon,” “to discard,” or “to waste.” It conveys the idea of something that is no longer in use or has been rendered useless.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “廃” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “廴” (which relates to movement or a path) and “非” (which means “not” or “wrong”). Together, they suggest the idea of moving away from something that is not right or useful.
Radical: The radical of “廃” is “廴,” which is associated with movement and pathways.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “廃” are:
- 廃棄 (はいき, haiki) – disposal, abandonment
- 廃止 (はいし, haishi) – abolition, repeal
- 廃墟 (はいきょ, haikyo) – ruins, abandoned buildings
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この古い車は廃棄しなければならない。 (Kono furui kuruma wa haiki shinakereba naranai.) – We have to dispose of this old car.
- その法律は廃止される予定です。 (Sono hōritsu wa haishi sareru yotei desu.) – That law is scheduled to be abolished.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “捨” (sute), which means “to throw away.” While both convey the idea of discarding, “廃” often implies a more formal or systematic abandonment, such as laws or regulations.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “再生” (saisei), which means “regeneration” or “rebirth,” indicating the opposite of abandonment or waste.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “廃” is significant in Japanese culture, particularly in discussions about sustainability and the importance of reusing resources. The idea of “廃物利用” (haibutsu riyō) emphasizes the value of recycling and repurposing discarded items.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “廃物利用” (haibutsu riyō), which translates to “utilizing waste,” highlighting the cultural emphasis on resourcefulness and minimizing waste.