1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “椅” (i) means “chair” in English. It refers to a piece of furniture designed for sitting, typically having a back and four legs.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “椅” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the radical for “tree” (木) with the phonetic component “衣” (i), which contributes to its pronunciation. The presence of the tree radical suggests that the character is related to something made from wood, which is common for chairs.
The radical of “椅” is 木, indicating its connection to wooden objects.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “椅” are:
- 椅子 (いす, isu) – chair
- 椅子に座る (いすにすわる, isu ni suwaru) – to sit on a chair
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「この椅子はとても快適です。」(このいすはとてもかいてきです。) – “This chair is very comfortable.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 座 (ざ, za) – seat, which refers more to the act of sitting or a place to sit.
Antonyms include:
- 立 (りつ, ritsu) – to stand, which represents the opposite action of sitting.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “椅” is closely related to Japanese culture, where traditional wooden chairs and tatami seating have historical significance. In modern Japan, chairs are commonly used in homes and offices, reflecting Western influence.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “椅” include:
- 「椅子取りゲーム」(いすとりゲーム, isu tori gēmu) – “musical chairs,” a game that involves competition for seating.