1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “楼” (pronounced “rou” in Japanese) refers to a multi-story building or tower, often used to describe structures like pagodas or tall buildings. It conveys a sense of height and architectural elegance.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “楼” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines the meaning of a building with phonetic elements. The left part “亻” (a variant of “人” meaning person) suggests human activity, while the right part “娄” provides the phonetic sound.
Radical: The radical of “楼” is “亻”, which relates to people or human activities, indicating that the structure is associated with human use or habitation.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 楼閣 (ろうかく, roukaku) – pavilion or tower
- 高楼 (こうろう, kourou) – tall building
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「あの高楼は新しいオフィスビルです。」 (That tall building is a new office building.)
- 「この街には美しい楼閣がたくさんあります。」 (There are many beautiful pavilions in this city.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 塔 (とう, tou) – tower; typically refers to a more slender structure.
- 館 (かん, kan) – hall or building; often used for larger public buildings.
Antonyms:
- 地 (ち, chi) – ground; refers to the earth or land, contrasting with the elevated nature of “楼”.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “楼” is often associated with traditional Japanese architecture, particularly in temples and shrines, where multi-story structures are common. These buildings often serve as places of worship or cultural significance.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there may not be specific proverbs that include “楼”, the concept of height and elevation is often metaphorically used in Japanese literature to signify aspirations or achievements.