1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 踊 (pronounced “odoru”) means “to dance.” It represents the act of moving rhythmically to music, often expressing joy or celebration.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji 踊 is a phonetic-ideographic character, which combines both meaning and sound. It consists of the radical 足 (foot) on the left, indicating movement, and the phonetic component 𠂉 (yō), which contributes to its pronunciation.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include 踊 are:
- 踊り (odori) – dance
- 踊る (odoru) – to dance
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「今夜、友達と一緒に踊りに行きます。」
(Tonight, I will go dancing with my friends.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 舞 (mai) – a more formal or traditional type of dance, often associated with performance.
Antonyms include:
- 静 (shizu) – meaning “quiet” or “calm,” representing the opposite of the lively action of dancing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji 踊 is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where dance plays a significant role in festivals and celebrations. Traditional dances, such as 盆踊り (Bon Odori), are performed during the Obon festival to honor the spirits of ancestors.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to dance include:
- 踊る阿呆に見る阿呆 (Odoru ahō ni miru ahō) – “There are fools who dance and fools who watch,” meaning that everyone has their own way of enjoying life.