1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “菊” (kiku) means “chrysanthemum,” a flower that holds significant cultural importance in Japan and symbolizes longevity and rejuvenation.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “菊” is a phonetic-ideographic character, which combines the radical for “plant” (艹) at the top, indicating that it is a type of plant, with the phonetic component “キク” (kiku) at the bottom, which provides the pronunciation.
The radical艹 (grass) is commonly found in kanji related to plants and flowers.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “菊” are:
- 菊花 (きくか, kikuka) – chrysanthemum flower
- 菊祭り (きくまつり, kikumasuri) – chrysanthemum festival
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「秋になると、菊の花が美しく咲きます。」(Aki ni naru to, kiku no hana ga utsukushiku sakimasu.) – “In autumn, the chrysanthemums bloom beautifully.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 花 (はな, hana) – flower (a more general term for any flower)
Antonyms or contrasting kanji include:
- 枯 (かれ, kare) – withered (referring to a plant that has died or dried up)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The chrysanthemum is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often associated with the Imperial Family and celebrated during the annual Chrysanthemum Festival (菊祭り). It is also a symbol of the autumn season.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “菊” include:
- 「菊の花は長寿の象徴」(Kiku no hana wa chōju no shōchō) – “The chrysanthemum flower is a symbol of longevity.”