1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “物” (pronounced “mono”) means “thing” or “object.” It refers to physical items, but can also encompass abstract concepts or ideas in certain contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “物” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of “牛” (ushi, meaning “cow”) and “勿” (matsu, meaning “do not”). The cow represents something tangible, while “勿” adds a sense of prohibition or negation, suggesting the idea of something that should not be overlooked or ignored.
The radical of “物” is “牛” (ushi), which is often associated with animals or livestock in kanji characters.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “物” are:
- 物語 (monogatari) – story or tale
- 物質 (busshitsu) – substance
- 物価 (bukka) – commodity prices
In everyday conversation, you might hear:
「これは大切な物です。」 (Kore wa taisetsu na mono desu.) – “This is an important thing.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 事 (koto) – which refers to matters or events, emphasizing actions or occurrences rather than physical objects.
Antonyms include:
- 空 (sora) – meaning “empty” or “void,” which contrasts with the idea of a tangible object.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “物” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often appearing in literature and folklore. It is associated with the concept of “物の哀れ” (mono no aware), which expresses a sensitivity to the ephemeral nature of things.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “物” are:
- 物は言いよう (mono wa iiyou) – “Things can be interpreted in various ways,” highlighting the subjective nature of perception.