1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “涙” (namida) means “tear” in English. It refers to the clear, salty liquid that is produced by the tear glands in response to emotions, such as sadness or joy, as well as to protect the eyes from irritants.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “涙” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines two elements: the radical for “water” (水) on the left, which signifies the liquid nature of tears, and the character “出” (to come out) on the right, indicating the act of tears flowing out.
Radical: The radical for “涙” is 水 (water), which is commonly associated with liquids and fluids in various kanji.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 涙腺 (るいせん, ruisen) – tear duct
- 涙ぐむ (なみだぐむ, namidagumu) – to be teary-eyed
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼女は映画を見て涙を流した。 (かのじょはえいがをみてなみだをながした。) – She cried while watching the movie.
- 嬉し涙が出た。 (うれしなみだがでた。) – Tears of joy came out.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 涙 (なみだ, namida) – tear
- 涙目 (なみだめ, namidame) – teary eyes (indicating someone is about to cry)
Antonyms:
- 笑顔 (えがお, egao) – smile (the opposite of crying)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Tears are often associated with deep emotions in Japanese culture, reflecting the sensitivity and expressiveness of individuals. They are seen as a natural response to both happiness and sorrow.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 涙の数だけ強くなる (なみだのかずだけつよくなる) – “You become stronger with every tear,” which emphasizes personal growth through emotional experiences.