1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “岸” (pronounced “kishi” in Japanese) means “shore” or “bank,” typically referring to the land alongside a body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “岸” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字), which combines a meaning component and a phonetic component. The left part, “山” (mountain), suggests a geographical feature, while the right part, “木” (tree), indicates the natural environment. Together, they convey the idea of land near water.
The radical of “岸” is “山” (mountain), which is often associated with landforms and natural features.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “岸” are:
- 海岸 (kaigan) – coast
- 岸辺 (kishibe) – riverbank or shore
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「私たちは海岸でピクニックをしました。」(Watashitachi wa kaigan de pikunikku o shimashita.) – “We had a picnic at the coast.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 浜 (hama) – beach, which specifically refers to sandy shores.
- 岸 (kishi) – shore, which can refer to any land next to water.
Antonyms include:
- 内陸 (nairiku) – inland, referring to areas away from the coast or shore.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “岸” is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with natural beauty and tranquility. It appears in various proverbs and idiomatic expressions, such as:
- 岸に立つ (kishi ni tatsu) – “to stand on the shore,” which can symbolize being at a crossroads or making a decision.
In literature and poetry, shores and banks are often depicted as places of reflection and inspiration, highlighting their importance in Japanese aesthetics.