1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “頰” (pronounced “hō” or “頬” in modern usage) refers to the cheek, which is the fleshy part of the face located below the eyes and to the sides of the mouth. It plays a significant role in facial expressions and communication.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “頰” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which means it combines a semantic component and a phonetic component. The left part “頤” (which relates to the jaw) provides the meaning, while the right part “夭” gives a clue to the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “頰” is “頁” (yé), which relates to the head or face, indicating that this kanji is associated with facial features.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 頬骨 (ほおぼね, hōbone) – cheekbone
- 頬杖 (ほおづえ, hōzue) – resting one’s chin on one’s hand
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼女の頬は赤くなっている。 (かのじょのほおはあかくなっている。) – Her cheeks are turning red.
- 頬杖をついて考え込んでいる。 (ほおづえをついてかんがえこんでいる。) – I am resting my chin on my hand, deep in thought.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 顔 (かお, kao) – face; while “頰” specifically refers to the cheek, “顔” encompasses the entire face.
Antonyms:
- 無顔 (むがお, mugao) – faceless; this term indicates the absence of a face, contrasting with the specific feature of the cheek.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, the cheeks are often associated with expressions of emotion, such as blushing when embarrassed or happy. The concept of beauty can also be linked to the appearance of the cheeks.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 頬がゆるむ (ほおがゆるむ, hō ga yurumu) – to smile broadly; this idiom describes a situation where someone is so happy that their cheeks seem to relax and smile.