1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “軽” (pronounced “kei” or “karui”) means “light” in terms of weight or intensity. It can also imply something that is easy or not serious.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “軽” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “weight” (車) and a phonetic component (軽) that suggests its pronunciation. The radical 車 (kuruma) relates to vehicles, which can be associated with weight.
The radical of “軽” is 車, which signifies vehicles or things that move, emphasizing the concept of weight in relation to motion.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “軽” are:
- 軽い (karui) – light
- 軽快 (keikai) – lively, cheerful
- 軽視 (keishi) – to underestimate
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- このバッグはとても軽いです。 (Kono baggu wa totemo karui desu.) – This bag is very light.
- 彼は軽快な音楽が好きです。 (Kare wa keikai na ongaku ga suki desu.) – He likes lively music.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 軽快 (keikai) – lively, which emphasizes a sense of lightness in movement or sound.
- 軽薄 (keihaku) – superficial, which suggests a lack of depth or seriousness.
Antonyms include:
- 重 (juu or omoi) – heavy, which indicates a significant weight or seriousness.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “軽” is often associated with Japanese culture in contexts such as transportation and lifestyle, where lightness is valued for convenience and efficiency.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions include:
- 軽い気持ちで (karui kimochi de) – with a light heart, meaning to approach something without stress or seriousness.