1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “裂” (read as “retsu” or “saku”) means “to tear” or “to split.” It conveys the idea of something being divided or separated, often in a physical sense.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “裂” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of splitting or tearing with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “裂” is “衣” (clothing), which is often associated with textiles and fabrics, hinting at the context in which something might be torn or split.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “裂” are “裂け目” (sakeme – tear or split) and “裂傷” (resshou – laceration).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- このシャツは裂けてしまった。 (Kono shatsu wa sakete shimatta.) – This shirt has torn.
- 彼は心が裂けるような思いをしている。 (Kare wa kokoro ga sakeru you na omoi o shite iru.) – He is feeling as if his heart is being torn apart.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “破” (ha), which also means “to break” but implies a more complete destruction rather than just a split.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “合” (ai), which means “to join” or “to unite,” representing the opposite action of splitting or tearing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “裂” is often found in traditional Japanese textiles, where the quality and integrity of fabric are highly valued. Tearing or splitting fabric can symbolize loss or imperfection.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “心が裂ける” (kokoro ga sakaru), which translates to “the heart is torn,” used to describe deep emotional pain or sorrow.