1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “微” (bi) generally means “tiny,” “subtle,” or “delicate.” It conveys the idea of something that is small in size or nuanced in nature.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “微” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “small” (小) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “微” is “微” itself, which is often associated with smallness or subtlety.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “微” are 微細 (bisai – “microscopic”) and 微妙 (bimyō – “subtle”).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この料理は微妙な味付けがされています。 (This dish has a subtle seasoning.)
- 彼の微細な表情から、彼の気持ちがわかりました。 (I understood his feelings from his subtle expressions.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “小” (shō), which also means “small,” but “微” emphasizes a more delicate or nuanced aspect.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite kanji is “大” (dai), which means “big” or “large,” representing the concept of size in the opposite direction.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “微” is often found in traditional Japanese aesthetics, where subtlety and minimalism are highly valued.
Proverbs and Idioms: An example of an idiom that includes “微” is 微妙な関係 (bimyō na kankei – “a subtle relationship”), which refers to a relationship that is not clearly defined or is complicated.