1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “留” (ryū) generally means “to stay,” “to remain,” or “to detain.” It conveys the idea of holding something in place or preventing it from moving away.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “留” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “亻” (person) and the character “留” (to stop or to stay), suggesting the action of a person staying in one place.
Radical: The radical of “留” is “亻,” which is related to human actions and behaviors.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “留” are:
- 留学 (りゅうがく, ryūgaku) – studying abroad
- 留守 (るす, rusu) – absence, being away from home
- 留める (とめる, tomeru) – to stop, to fasten
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は日本に留学しています。 (かれはにほんにりゅうがくしています。) – He is studying abroad in Japan.
- 留守の間に荷物が届きました。 (るすのあいだににもつがとどきました。) – A package arrived while I was away.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “止” (し, shi), which means “to stop.” However, “留” implies a more active sense of remaining or staying, while “止” simply indicates stopping.
Antonyms: An antonym of “留” is “去” (きょ, kyo), which means “to leave” or “to go away,” indicating movement away from a place.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “留” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in the context of education and travel, as many students go abroad for studies (留学).
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “留まるところを知らない” (とどまるところをしらない), which means “to not know where to stop,” often used to describe someone who is excessively ambitious or never satisfied.