1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “暮” (kure) primarily means “to live” or “to spend time.” It often refers to the act of living or the passage of time, particularly in the context of daily life or the evening hours.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “暮” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “氵” (water) and the character “暮” which relates to the concept of evening or dusk, symbolizing the end of the day.
Radical: The radical for “暮” is “氵” (water), which often relates to fluidity and life, enhancing the meaning of living or spending time.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “暮” are “暮らし” (kurashi – living, livelihood) and “暮れ” (kure – dusk, end of the year).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「私たちはこの町で暮らしています。」(Watashitachi wa kono machi de kurashiteimasu.) – “We live in this town.”
- 「暮れの忙しい時期です。」(Kure no isogashii jiki desu.) – “It is a busy time at the end of the year.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “生” (sei), which means “to live” or “life,” but it emphasizes the aspect of being alive rather than the act of living or spending time.
Antonyms: An antonym is “死” (shi), which means “death,” representing the opposite of living or existence.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “暮” is often associated with the concept of daily life and the passage of time, reflecting the importance of living in harmony with nature and the seasons in Japanese culture.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “暮らしは楽あれば苦あり” (Kurashi wa raku areba kurai ari), which translates to “In life, there are joys and sorrows,” highlighting the balance of experiences in daily living.