1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “裸” (nude) means “naked” or “bare.” It refers to the state of being without clothing or covering, often associated with vulnerability or naturalness.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “裸” is a compound character that combines two elements: the radical “衣” (clothing) and the character “ら” (ra), which indicates the absence of clothing. This character can be classified as a phonetic-ideographic character because it conveys both sound and meaning.
Radical: The radical of “裸” is “衣” (clothing), which is commonly associated with garments and attire.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 裸足 (はだし, hadashi) – barefoot
- 裸の真実 (はだのしんじつ, hada no shinjitsu) – the naked truth
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は海で裸で泳いでいる。 (かれはうみではだかでおよいでいる。) – He is swimming naked in the sea.
- 裸の真実を知りたい。 (はだのしんじつをしりたい。) – I want to know the naked truth.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 無衣 (むい, mui) – without clothing; emphasizes the absence of clothing.
- 素 (す, su) – bare or plain; can refer to being unadorned or natural.
Antonyms:
- 服 (ふく, fuku) – clothing; refers to garments worn on the body.
- 覆う (おおう, oou) – to cover; indicates the act of putting something over another.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, the concept of nudity can be viewed differently than in Western cultures. It is often associated with naturalness and purity, as seen in traditional practices like onsen (hot springs) bathing.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 裸の王様 (はだかのおうさま, hadaka no ousama) – “The Emperor’s New Clothes”; refers to a situation where someone is deceived into believing something that is not true.