1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “浪” (pronounced “nami” or “rou”) primarily means “wave” or “billow.” It often refers to the waves of the sea, symbolizing movement and fluidity.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “浪” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for water (氵) with the phonetic component “浪,” which suggests its pronunciation and relates to its meaning of waves.
Radical: The radical of “浪” is the water radical (氵), indicating its connection to water-related concepts.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 浪費 (ろうひ, rouhi) – waste, wastefulness
- 波浪 (はろう, harou) – waves, billows
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 海の浪がとても高いです。 (うみのなみがとてもたかいです。) – The waves of the sea are very high.
- 浪費は良くないです。 (ろうひはよくないです。) – Wastefulness is not good.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 波 (は, ha) – wave; refers to a single wave, often used in a more general sense.
- 潮 (しお, shio) – tide; refers to the rise and fall of sea levels.
Antonyms:
- 静 (しずか, shizuka) – quiet, calm; represents stillness, the opposite of the movement associated with waves.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of waves is significant in Japanese culture, often symbolizing the beauty and power of nature. Waves are frequently depicted in traditional art, such as Hokusai’s famous woodblock print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.”
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 波風を立てる (なみかぜをたてる, namikaze o tateru) – to stir up trouble; literally means to create waves and winds, indicating disturbance.