1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “睦” (muku) generally means “to be harmonious” or “to be close.” It conveys a sense of friendship, affection, and mutual understanding among people.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “睦” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “eye” (目) and the character “muku” (木), symbolizing a connection between seeing and understanding.
Radical: The radical of “睦” is 目 (eye), which often relates to vision or perception in kanji.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “睦” are “睦まじい” (mukamajii), meaning “harmonious” or “friendly,” and “睦み合う” (mukami au), meaning “to get along well.”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私たちは家族として睦まじく過ごしています。 (Watashitachi wa kazoku to shite mukamajiku sugoshiteimasu.) – We live harmoniously as a family.
- 彼らは睦み合っている友人です。 (Karera wa mukami atte iru yūjin desu.) – They are friends who get along well.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “和” (wa), which also means “harmony” but can imply a broader sense of peace and balance. “睦” focuses more on personal relationships.
Antonyms: An antonym of “睦” is “争” (arasu), which means “to dispute” or “to fight,” indicating conflict rather than harmony.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of harmony is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, emphasizing the importance of relationships and community. “睦” reflects this value.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “睦まじいは家の宝” (Mukamajii wa ie no takara), which translates to “Harmony is the treasure of the home,” highlighting the significance of harmonious relationships in family life.