1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “白” (pronounced “shiro” in Japanese) means “white.” It represents the color associated with purity, cleanliness, and simplicity. In various contexts, it can also symbolize innocence and new beginnings.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “白” is a pictogram that originally depicted a white object, such as a white flag or a white piece of cloth. It is classified as a pictographic character because it visually represents its meaning.
Radical: The radical for “白” is also “白,” which is used in other kanji related to color and brightness.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “白” are:
- 白い (shiroi) – white (adjective)
- 白紙 (hakushi) – blank paper
- 白鳥 (hakuchou) – swan
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この花は白いです。 (Kono hana wa shiroi desu.) – This flower is white.
- 白紙のノートを持っていますか？ (Hakushi no nooto o motteimasu ka?) – Do you have a blank notebook?
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “明” (mei), which means “bright.” While both kanji relate to light, “白” specifically refers to the color white, whereas “明” conveys brightness or clarity.
Opposite Kanji: The antonym of “白” is “黒” (kuro), which means “black.” These two colors represent contrasting concepts, with “白” symbolizing purity and “黒” often associated with darkness or mystery.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, the color white is often associated with purity and is used in various ceremonies, such as weddings and Shinto rituals. It is also the color of mourning in some contexts, particularly in traditional funerals.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “白黒つける” (shirokuro tsukeru), which means “to clarify” or “to determine right from wrong.” This phrase reflects the idea of distinguishing between two opposing sides, much like the contrast between black and white.