1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “容” (yō) generally means “to contain,” “to hold,” or “to allow.” It conveys the idea of capacity or the ability to accommodate something, whether it be physical objects or abstract concepts like emotions or ideas.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “容” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical “亻” (person) on the left, which suggests a human element, and the phonetic component “容” on the right, which provides the sound.
Radical: The radical of “容” is “亻” (the person radical), indicating that the meaning is related to human actions or characteristics.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “容” are:
- 容器 (ようき, yōki) – container
- 容姿 (ようし, yōshi) – appearance
- 容認 (ようにん, yōnin) – acceptance
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この容器は水を入れるのに適しています。
(This container is suitable for holding water.) - 彼女の容姿はとても美しいです。
(Her appearance is very beautiful.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “含” (がん, gan), which means “to include” or “to contain,” but it often refers to the act of holding something within, rather than the capacity to hold.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “拒” (きょ, kyo), which means “to refuse” or “to reject,” indicating the opposite action of allowing or containing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “容” is significant in Japanese culture, where acceptance and accommodation are valued traits. It reflects the importance of harmony and understanding in social interactions.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “容赦なく” (ようしゃなく, yōsha naku), meaning “without mercy” or “ruthlessly,” which highlights the contrast between acceptance and rejection in behavior.