1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “詰” (tsume) generally means “to pack,” “to fill,” or “to stuff.” It conveys the idea of putting things closely together or making something more compact.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “詰” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of “言” (word) and “詰” (to press). This suggests the idea of pressing words together or filling them in.
Radical: The radical for “詰” is “言” (gen), which relates to speech or words, indicating its connection to communication.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “詰” are:
- 詰める (tsumeru) – to pack or to fill
- 詰まる (tsumaru) – to be blocked or to be packed
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この箱に本を詰めてください。 (Kono hako ni hon o tsumete kudasai.) – Please pack the books into this box.
- 道が詰まっているので、別の道を使いましょう。 (Michi ga tsumatte iru node, betsu no michi o tsukaimashou.) – The road is blocked, so let’s take another route.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “充” (juu), which means “to fill” or “to complete.” While both convey the idea of filling, “詰” often implies a more compact or tight packing, whereas “充” can refer to filling in a more general sense.
Antonyms: An antonym for “詰” is “空” (kuu), which means “empty.” This represents the opposite concept of having space or being unfilled.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of packing or filling is significant in Japanese culture, especially in practices like “bento” (lunch boxes) where food is carefully arranged and packed.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant idiom is “詰め込み教育” (tsume komi kyouiku), which refers to cramming education, highlighting the idea of densely packing information into a short period.