1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “凝” (pronounced “gyou” or “kou”) generally means “to congeal,” “to solidify,” or “to focus.” It conveys the idea of something becoming more concentrated or solid, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “凝” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “氵” (water) on the left, which suggests a connection to liquids, and the character “凝” on the right, which implies the process of solidification.
Radical: The radical of “凝” is “氵,” which is related to water and liquids, indicating that the process of congealing often involves a liquid state transitioning to a solid state.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “凝” are:
- 凝固 (ぎょうこ, gyouko) – solidification
- 凝縮 (ぎょうしゅく, gyoushuku) – condensation
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- このスープは冷えると凝固します。 (このスープはひえるとぎょうこします。) – This soup will solidify when it cools down.
- 水蒸気が凝縮して雲になります。 (すいじょうきがぎょうしゅくしてくもになります。) – Water vapor condenses to form clouds.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “固” (こ, ko), which also means “solid” but emphasizes the state of being hard or firm rather than the process of solidification.
Antonyms: An antonym of “凝” is “流” (りゅう, ryuu), which means “to flow,” indicating a state of liquidity and movement, contrasting with the idea of solidification.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of “凝” is often found in traditional Japanese practices, such as the preparation of certain foods that require ingredients to congeal or solidify, like jellies and desserts.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there may not be specific proverbs that use “凝,” the idea of focusing one’s mind or efforts can be expressed in phrases that emphasize concentration and determination, reflecting the essence of “凝.”