1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “巨” (kyo) means “huge” or “gigantic.” It is often used to describe something that is large in size or scale.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “巨” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of size with a phonetic component.
Radical: The radical for “巨” is “亻” (the person radical), which is often associated with human-related concepts.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “巨” are:
- 巨人 (kyojin) – giant
- 巨大 (kyodai) – enormous
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- あの建物はとても巨大です。 (That building is very huge.)
- 彼は巨人のように見えます。 (He looks like a giant.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “大” (dai), which also means “big” but is more general and can refer to size, importance, or age.
Antonyms: The antonym of “巨” is “小” (shou), which means “small” or “little.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “巨” is often found in Japanese folklore and mythology, where giants or large creatures play significant roles.
Proverbs and Idioms: An example of an idiom that includes “巨” is “巨星墜落” (kyosei tsuiraku), which means “the fall of a giant star,” often used to describe the downfall of a great person or entity.