1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “比” (hi) primarily means “to compare” or “to contrast.” It is used to express the relationship between two or more things, highlighting their similarities or differences.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “比” is classified as a pictogram, originally depicting two objects being compared side by side. It is also considered a phonetic compound as it combines the meaning of comparison with a phonetic element.
Radical: The radical for “比” is also “比,” which is used in other kanji related to comparison and contrast.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “比” are:
- 比較 (hikaku) – comparison
- 比率 (hiritsu) – ratio
- 対比 (taihi) – contrast
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この二つの製品を比較してみましょう。 (Let’s compare these two products.)
- 彼の成績は去年と対比すると良くなった。 (His grades have improved when compared to last year.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “対” (tai), which also relates to comparison but emphasizes opposition or contrast more strongly.
Antonyms: An antonym for “比” could be “単独” (tandoku), meaning “alone” or “independent,” as it implies the absence of comparison.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of comparison is significant in Japanese culture, often seen in art, literature, and philosophy, where contrasts are used to highlight beauty and meaning.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “比べるものがない” (kuraberu mono ga nai), which means “there is nothing to compare,” often used to express something unique or unparalleled.