1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “曜” (yō) means “day of the week” or “day.” It is often used in the context of naming the days, such as Monday, Tuesday, etc.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “曜” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “sun” (日) and a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “曜” is 日, which means “sun” or “day.” This radical is commonly associated with light and time.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: “曜日” (yōbi) means “day of the week,” and “日曜日” (nichiyōbi) means “Sunday.”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「今日は何曜日ですか？」 (Kyou wa nan yōbi desu ka?) – “What day of the week is it today?”
- 「来週の水曜日に会いましょう。」 (Raishuu no suiyōbi ni aimashou.) – “Let’s meet next Wednesday.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: The kanji “日” (hi) also relates to “day” but is more general and can refer to a specific day or the concept of day in general.
Antonyms: The kanji “夜” (yoru) means “night,” which is the opposite of “day.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of days of the week is significant in Japanese culture, influencing schedules, traditions, and activities.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “一日一善” (ichinichi ichizen), which means “one good deed a day,” emphasizing the importance of daily actions.