1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “海” (umi) means “sea” or “ocean.” It represents large bodies of saltwater and is often associated with nature, travel, and adventure.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “海” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It is composed of the radical “氵” (water) on the left, indicating its relation to water, and the character “每” (mai) on the right, which contributes to its pronunciation.
The radical “氵” is commonly found in kanji related to water, emphasizing the connection between the character and aquatic elements.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “海” are:
- 海岸 (かいがん, kaigan) – coast
- 海洋 (かいよう, kaiyō) – ocean
- 海水浴 (かいすいよく, kaisuiyoku) – beach swimming
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「今週末、海に行きたいです。」(Konshūmatsu, umi ni ikitai desu.) – “I want to go to the sea this weekend.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 湖 (みずうみ, mizuumi) – lake (a smaller body of water compared to the sea)
- 川 (かわ, kawa) – river (a flowing body of water)
Antonyms include:
- 陸 (りく, riku) – land (the opposite of sea)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “海” is deeply connected to Japanese culture, as Japan is an island nation surrounded by the sea. The ocean plays a significant role in Japanese mythology, cuisine, and daily life.
Proverbs and idioms related to “海” include:
- 海のものとも山のものとも (うみのものともやまのものとも, umi no mono to mo yama no mono to mo) – “Neither fish nor fowl,” indicating uncertainty or ambiguity.