1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “奇” (ki) means “strange,” “unusual,” or “extraordinary.” It is often used to describe something that is out of the ordinary or has an element of surprise.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “奇” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “strange” with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “奇” is “奇” itself, which relates to the concept of strangeness or peculiarity.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “奇” are “奇跡” (kiseki – miracle) and “奇妙” (kimyō – strange or mysterious).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この映画はとても奇妙でした。 (Kono eiga wa totemo kimyō deshita.) – This movie was very strange.
- 彼の奇抜なアイデアはみんなを驚かせた。 (Kare no kibatsu na aidea wa minna o odorokaseta.) – His extraordinary idea surprised everyone.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “異” (i), which also means “different” or “strange,” but it often emphasizes a difference rather than the peculiarity of something.
Antonyms: The antonym of “奇” is “普通” (futsū), which means “normal” or “ordinary.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “奇” is often found in Japanese folklore and literature, where strange or extraordinary events play a significant role in storytelling.
Proverbs and Idioms: An example of an idiom is “奇をてらう” (ki o terau), which means to do something unusual or to stand out in a peculiar way.