1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “費” (hi) primarily means “expense” or “cost.” It refers to the expenditure of resources, such as money or time, in various contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “費” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “衣” (clothing) and the phonetic component “費” (which suggests the sound). The character originally relates to the idea of spending or using resources, often associated with clothing and adornment.
The radical “衣” indicates a connection to clothing or garments, which historically ties to the concept of expenditure in terms of dressing and appearance.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “費” are:
- 費用 (ひよう, hiyou) – cost, expense
- 経費 (けいひ, keihi) – business expenses
- 無駄遣い (むだづかい, mudazukai) – wasteful spending
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- このプロジェクトには多くの費用がかかります。
(This project will incur a lot of expenses.) - 旅行のために予算を立てる必要があります。
(I need to budget for the trip.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- コスト (kosuto) – cost (often used in a business context)
- 料金 (りょうきん, ryoukin) – fee or charge (often for services)
Antonyms include:
- 利益 (りえき, rieki) – profit (the gain from an investment or expenditure)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “費” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of managing resources wisely. In traditional Japanese society, the concept of expenditure was closely tied to social status and appearance.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “費” often emphasize the value of careful spending and the consequences of wastefulness. For example, “無駄な費用は無駄な時間を生む” (Wasteful expenses create wasteful time) highlights the importance of being prudent with resources.