1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “腰” (yō) primarily means “waist” or “lower back.” It refers to the part of the body between the ribs and the hips, and it is often associated with movement and posture.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “腰” is a compound character that combines the radical “肉” (meaning “meat” or “flesh”) with the character “古” (meaning “old”). This combination suggests the idea of the flesh in the lower part of the body. The radical “肉” indicates that the character is related to the body.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “腰” are:
- 腰痛 (yōtsū) – back pain
- 腰掛け (koshikake) – a seat or a place to sit
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 「最近、腰が痛いです。」(Saikin, koshi ga itai desu.) – “Recently, my lower back hurts.”
- 「腰掛けに座ってください。」(Koshikake ni suwatte kudasai.) – “Please sit on the seat.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 背 (se) – meaning “back” (the upper part of the body).
- 腹 (hara) – meaning “belly” (the front part of the body).
Antonyms include:
- 頭 (atama) – meaning “head,” which is the opposite end of the body.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “腰” has significant relevance in Japanese culture, particularly in traditional practices such as martial arts, where posture and waist movement are crucial. Additionally, there are proverbs and idiomatic expressions that reference the waist, such as:
- 腰を据える (koshi o sueru) – meaning “to settle down” or “to establish oneself.”
- 腰が低い (koshi ga hikui) – meaning “to be humble.”
These expressions reflect the importance of the waist in both physical and metaphorical contexts in Japanese culture.