1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “卵” (tamago) means “egg” in English. It refers to the oval or round object laid by female birds, reptiles, and some mammals, which is often used as food.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “卵” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “food” (食) and a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “卵” is “卩” (which is related to the concept of something being wrapped or enclosed).
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 卵焼き (tamago-yaki) – Japanese omelet
- 生卵 (namatamago) – raw egg
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 朝ごはんに卵を食べました。 (Asa gohan ni tamago o tabemashita.) – I ate eggs for breakfast.
- このレシピには卵が必要です。 (Kono reshipi ni wa tamago ga hitsuyou desu.) – This recipe requires eggs.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 鶏卵 (keiran) – chicken egg; specifically refers to eggs from chickens.
- 卵白 (ranpaku) – egg white; refers to the clear part of the egg.
Antonyms:
- 肉 (niku) – meat; as it represents a different type of food source.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Eggs are a staple in Japanese cuisine, used in various dishes from sushi to ramen. They symbolize fertility and new beginnings in Japanese culture.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 卵を割らずにオムレツは作れない (Tamago o warazu ni omuretsu wa tsukurenai) – You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs; meaning you need to take risks to achieve something.