1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “維” (pronounced “i” or “yui”) generally means “to maintain,” “to preserve,” or “to tie together.” It conveys the idea of continuity and connection, often used in contexts related to support and stability.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “維” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “thread” (糸) which represents the idea of tying or connecting, with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “維” is 糸 (ito), which relates to threads or fibers, emphasizing the concept of connection and continuity.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “維” are 維持 (iji – maintenance), 維新 (ishin – restoration), and 維護 (igo – preservation).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- このプロジェクトを維持するためには、みんなの協力が必要です。
- (To maintain this project, we need everyone’s cooperation.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “保” (ho), which means “to protect” or “to preserve.” While both kanji convey a sense of preservation, “維” emphasizes continuity and connection, whereas “保” focuses more on protection.
Antonyms: An antonym of “維” could be “破” (ha), which means “to break” or “to destroy,” representing the opposite concept of maintaining or preserving.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “維” is significant in Japanese culture, particularly in contexts such as maintaining harmony in relationships and preserving traditions.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “継続は力なり” (keizoku wa chikara nari), which translates to “continuation is strength,” highlighting the importance of persistence and maintenance in achieving success.