1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “崩” (pronounced “hō” or “bō”) means “collapse” or “crumble.” It is often used to describe the act of something breaking down or falling apart, whether physically or metaphorically.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “崩” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “mountain” (山) and the character “兵” (meaning “soldier”), suggesting the idea of a mountain collapsing or being destroyed.
Radical: The radical of “崩” is 山 (mountain), which is often associated with stability and height, contrasting with the meaning of collapse.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “崩” are:
- 崩壊 (ほうかい, hōkai) – collapse, breakdown
- 崩れる (くずれる, kuzureru) – to crumble, to fall apart
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この建物は古くて、いつ崩れるかわからない。
(This building is old, and I don’t know when it might collapse.) - 彼の計画はすぐに崩れた。
(His plan fell apart quickly.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “壊” (かい, kai), which also means “to break” or “to destroy,” but it often refers to something being broken intentionally or through misuse.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “築” (ちく, chiku), which means “to build” or “to construct,” representing the act of creating or establishing something, in contrast to collapsing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “崩” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in the context of nature and architecture. The frequent occurrence of earthquakes in Japan makes the idea of collapse a relevant topic in discussions about safety and construction.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “崩れる前に築け” (kuzureru mae ni tsuke), which translates to “Build before it collapses,” emphasizing the importance of preparation and foresight.