1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 縫 (pronounced “nau” in Japanese) means “to sew” or “to stitch.” It refers to the action of joining two pieces of fabric together using a needle and thread.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 縫 is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “thread” (糸) on the left, which indicates its relation to sewing, and the phonetic component “冂” on the right, which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for 縫 is 糸 (ito), which is commonly associated with textiles and threads.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 縫 are:
- 縫い物 (nuimono) – sewing
- 縫製 (housei) – sewing or tailoring
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私は服を縫うのが好きです。 (Watashi wa fuku o nau no ga suki desu.) – I like to sew clothes.
- このボタンを縫い直してください。 (Kono botan o nui naoshite kudasai.) – Please re-sew this button.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 刺 (sashi), which means “to pierce” or “to stab.” While both involve the use of a needle, 刺 often refers to the action of piercing, whereas 縫 specifically refers to sewing.
Antonyms: An antonym for 縫 could be 解 (kai), which means “to untie” or “to unravel,” indicating the opposite action of sewing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Sewing has a significant place in Japanese culture, especially in traditional crafts such as kimono making. The art of sewing is often passed down through generations, highlighting its importance in preserving cultural heritage.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common Japanese proverb is 縫い目が見える (nuime ga mieru), which means “the seams are visible,” often used to describe something that is poorly made or lacks finesse.