1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “玉” (pronounced “tama” or “gyoku”) primarily means “ball,” “jewel,” or “precious stone.” It often symbolizes something valuable or beautiful.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “玉” is a pictogram that originally represented a round object, resembling a ball or a jewel. It is classified as a pictographic character because it visually represents its meaning.
Radical: The radical for “玉” is also “玉,” which is used in other kanji related to jewels or round objects.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “玉” are:
- 宝玉 (ほうぎょく, hougyoku) – “precious gem”
- 玉子 (たまご, tamago) – “egg”
- 玉石 (ぎょくせき, gyokuseki) – “jewel and stone” (used metaphorically to mean good and bad)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この宝玉はとても美しいです。 (このほうぎょくはとても美しいです。) – “This precious gem is very beautiful.”
- 玉子を使ってオムレツを作ります。 (たまごをつかってオムレツをつくります。) – “I will make an omelet using eggs.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “石” (いし, ishi), which means “stone.” While both represent hard materials, “玉” refers to something precious or valuable, whereas “石” is more general and can refer to any type of stone.
Antonyms: An antonym could be “泥” (どろ, doro), meaning “mud” or “dirt,” which represents something less valuable or undesirable compared to “玉.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, “玉” is often associated with purity and beauty. It is commonly used in traditional arts and crafts, such as jewelry making.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “玉のような” (たまのような, tama no you na), which means “like a jewel,” used to describe something precious or cherished.