1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “囲” (pronounced “i” or “kaku”) means “to enclose” or “to surround.” It conveys the idea of creating a boundary or a protective space around something.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “囲” is a compound character, which means it is formed by combining different elements. It is classified as a compound character (会意文字) because it combines the meanings of its components to convey the idea of enclosing.
Radical: The radical of “囲” is “囗” (the enclosing frame), which represents the concept of surrounding or enclosing something.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “囲” are:
- 囲む (kakomu) – to surround
- 囲碁 (igo) – a board game similar to Go
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 公園を囲むフェンスがあります。 (Kōen o kakomu fensu ga arimasu.) – There is a fence surrounding the park.
- 彼は囲碁が得意です。 (Kare wa igo ga tokui desu.) – He is good at playing Go.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “包” (pronounced “hō”), which means “to wrap” or “to cover.” The difference lies in the nuance; “囲” emphasizes surrounding, while “包” focuses on enclosing or wrapping something completely.
Antonyms: An antonym of “囲” is “開” (pronounced “kai”), which means “to open.” This represents the opposite action of creating a boundary.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of enclosing is significant in Japanese culture, often seen in traditional architecture and gardens, where spaces are designed to create a sense of harmony and protection.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “囲いを作る” (kakoi o tsukuru), which means “to create a boundary,” often used metaphorically to refer to setting limits or establishing rules in various contexts.