1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “球” (kyuu) means “sphere” or “ball.” It represents a three-dimensional object that is perfectly round, often used in various contexts such as sports, science, and geometry.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “球” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of a round object with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “球” is “玉” (tama), which means “jade” or “gem,” often associated with precious round objects.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “球” are:
- サッ球 (sakkū) – soccer ball
- 野球 (yakyū) – baseball
- 地球 (chikyū) – Earth
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「サッカーの試合で新しい球を使った。」(I used a new ball in the soccer match.)
- 「地球は青い惑星です。」(The Earth is a blue planet.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “丸” (maru), which also means “round” but is often used to describe the shape rather than a physical object like “球.”
Antonyms: An antonym could be “角” (kaku), which means “corner” or “angle,” representing a shape that is not round.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “球” is significant in various Japanese sports, such as baseball and soccer, which are popular in Japan.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “球は丸い,” which translates to “The ball is round,” often used to express that anything can happen in a game, emphasizing unpredictability.