1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “筋” (pronounced “suji”) primarily means “muscle,” “line,” or “tendon.” It can refer to the physical structure of muscles in the body, as well as metaphorical lines or connections in various contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “筋” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It is formed from the radical “肉” (meaning “meat” or “flesh”) and the character “巾” (which can represent a cloth or a line). This combination suggests the idea of a line or structure related to flesh or muscle.
Radical: The radical of “筋” is “肉,” which indicates its connection to the body and physicality.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “筋” are:
- 筋肉 (すじにく, sujiniku) – muscle
- 筋道 (すじみち, sujimichi) – logical reasoning or order
- 筋書き (すじがき, sujigaki) – plot or outline
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は毎日筋トレをしています。 (かれはまいにちきんとれをしています。) – He does muscle training every day.
- この問題には筋道が必要です。 (このもんだいにはすじみちがひつようです。) – This problem requires logical reasoning.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “肉” (にく, niku), which means “meat” or “flesh.” While “筋” refers to the structure or lines within the flesh, “肉” focuses on the substance itself.
Antonyms: An antonym could be “骨” (ほね, hone), meaning “bone.” While “筋” relates to the soft tissue, “骨” refers to the hard structure of the body.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of “筋” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in martial arts and traditional practices where physical strength and structure are emphasized.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “筋が通る” (すじがとおる, suji ga tooru), which means “to be logical” or “to make sense,” reflecting the importance of logical reasoning in communication and thought.