1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “巻” (pronounced “kan” or “maki”) primarily means “to roll” or “to coil.” It can also refer to a volume of a book or a scroll, indicating something that is wrapped or layered.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “巻” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “scroll” (巻) and the phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “巻” is “巻” itself, which relates to the concept of rolling or wrapping.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “巻” are:
- 巻物 (まきもの, makimono) – scroll
- 巻き寿司 (まきずし, makizushi) – rolled sushi
- 巻き戻す (まきもどす, makimodosu) – to rewind
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この巻物は古い歴史を持っています。 (This scroll has a long history.)
- 巻き寿司を作るのが好きです。 (I like making rolled sushi.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “重” (じゅう, jū), which means “heavy” or “to pile up.” While both can imply layering, “巻” specifically refers to rolling or wrapping.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “解” (かい, kai), which means “to unravel” or “to untie,” indicating the opposite action of rolling or wrapping.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “巻” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in traditional arts like calligraphy and scroll painting, where scrolls are a common medium.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “巻き込まれる” (まきこまれる, makikomareru), which means “to be involved” or “to be caught up in,” often used to describe being drawn into a situation.