1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “玄” (gen) generally means “mysterious” or “profound.” It often conveys a sense of depth and complexity, suggesting something that is not easily understood or is hidden from view.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “玄” is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines a meaning component with a phonetic component, indicating both sound and meaning.
Radical: The radical for “玄” is “亻” (person), which is often associated with human-related concepts, although in this case, it contributes to the overall meaning of mystery.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “玄” are “玄関” (genkan – entrance), “玄妙” (genmyou – subtle and profound), and “玄学” (gengaku – metaphysics).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この玄関はとても広いです。 (This entrance is very spacious.)
- 彼の考えは玄妙です。 (His thoughts are subtle and profound.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “奥” (oku), which means “depth” or “interior.” However, “奥” often refers to physical depth, while “玄” implies a more abstract or philosophical depth.
Antonyms: An antonym for “玄” is “明” (mei), which means “bright” or “clear.” While “玄” suggests mystery, “明” indicates clarity and understanding.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “玄” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, often associated with Zen philosophy and the pursuit of deeper understanding beyond the surface.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “玄妙なる道” (genmyou naru dou), which translates to “the profound path,” referring to a journey of deep understanding and enlightenment.