1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “齢” (rei) primarily means “age” or “years.” It is often used to refer to a person’s age or the number of years they have lived.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “齢” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines the meaning of “age” with a phonetic component. The left side, “年” (nen), relates to “year,” while the right side, “零” (rei), provides the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “齢” is “年” (nen), which signifies “year” and is commonly associated with age-related concepts.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “齢” are “齢を重ねる” (rei o kasaneru – to grow older) and “高齢” (kōrei – elderly).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はもう60歳の齢です。 (Kare wa mō 60-sai no rei desu.) – He is already 60 years old.
- 齢を重ねるごとに、知恵が増えます。 (Rei o kasaneru goto ni, chie ga fuemasu.) – With age, wisdom increases.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “年” (nen), which also means “year” but is more commonly used to denote a specific year rather than age.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “若” (waka), which means “young” or “youth,” representing the opposite of age.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, age is often associated with respect and wisdom. The concept of “年齢” (nenrei – age) plays a significant role in social interactions and hierarchies.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “年寄りの冷や水” (toshiyori no hiyamizu), which translates to “an old person’s cold water,” meaning that older individuals should not engage in activities that are too strenuous or risky for their age.