1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “貴” (ki) generally means “precious,” “valuable,” or “noble.” It is often used to express something that is esteemed or held in high regard.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “貴” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “money” or “wealth” (the left part, 貝) with a phonetic component (the right part, 奇) that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “貴” is 貝, which is associated with valuables or money.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “貴” are:
- 貴族 (きぞく, kizoku) – “nobility”
- 貴重 (きちょう, kichou) – “precious” or “valuable”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この宝石はとても貴重です。 (This gemstone is very valuable.)
- 彼は貴族の出身です。 (He comes from a noble family.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “尊” (son), which also means “respect” or “honor,” but it emphasizes the aspect of reverence rather than material value.
Antonyms: An antonym of “貴” is “卑” (hi), which means “lowly” or “humble,” indicating something of lesser value or status.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “貴” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where respect for nobility and precious things is significant. It reflects the values of honor and esteem in social hierarchies.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “貴いものは、失うと痛い” (It hurts to lose something precious), which emphasizes the value of what is considered important in life.