1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “弦” (gen) primarily means “string.” It refers to the strings of musical instruments, such as guitars and violins, as well as the concept of tension or elasticity in various contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “弦” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which combines the meaning of the radical “弓” (bow) with the phonetic component “弦.” The radical “弓” relates to archery and stringed instruments, emphasizing the connection to tension and sound.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “弦” are:
- 弦楽器 (げんがっき, gengakki) – string instruments
- 弦音 (げんおん, genon) – string sound
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼は新しい弦楽器を買った。」(かれはあたらしいげんがっきをかった。) – “He bought a new string instrument.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 糸 (いと, ito) – thread; while both refer to thin, elongated materials, “糸” is more general and can refer to any kind of thread, whereas “弦” specifically refers to strings of instruments.
Antonyms include:
- 圧 (あつ, atsu) – pressure; while “弦” implies tension in a string, “圧” refers to pressure applied to an object.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “弦” has significant ties to Japanese culture, particularly in traditional music. Instruments like the shamisen and koto are integral to Japanese heritage, and their strings are referred to using this kanji.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “弦” include:
- 弦を張る (げんをはる, gen o haru) – “to tighten the string,” which can metaphorically mean to prepare oneself for a challenge.