1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “器” (ki) generally means “container” or “utensil.” It refers to objects that hold or serve something, such as bowls, plates, or any kind of vessel used for storage or serving food and drinks.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “器” is a compound character, which means it is formed by combining different elements. It is classified as a 形声文字 (phonetic-ideographic character), where the left part indicates the meaning related to “container” and the right part provides the phonetic sound.
Radical: The radical for “器” is “器” itself, which is often associated with objects that hold or contain something.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “器” are:
- 器具 (きぐ, kigu) – tools or instruments
- 楽器 (がっき, gakki) – musical instruments
- 食器 (しょっき, shokki) – tableware
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この器はとても美しいです。 (このきはとても美しいです。) – This container is very beautiful.
- 楽器を演奏するのが好きです。 (がっきをえんそうするのがすきです。) – I like playing musical instruments.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “容” (よう, you), which means “to contain” or “to hold.” While “器” refers specifically to physical containers, “容” can refer to the concept of containing in a broader sense.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “無” (む, mu), which means “nothing” or “without,” indicating the absence of a container or object.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, “器” is significant as it relates to traditional dining and the aesthetics of food presentation. The choice of tableware can reflect the season, occasion, and the care taken in serving food.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “器が小さい” (きがちいさい, ki ga chiisai), which means “to have a small capacity,” often used to describe someone who is narrow-minded or lacks ambition.