1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “広” (hiro) means “wide” or “broad.” It conveys the idea of spaciousness and openness, often used to describe physical spaces, concepts, or feelings that are expansive.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “広” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “broad” with phonetic elements that suggest its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “広” is “広” itself, which is used to indicate meanings related to width and space.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “広” are:
- 広い (hiroi) – wide, spacious
- 広場 (hiroba) – plaza, open space
- 広がる (hirogaru) – to spread out, to expand
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この公園はとても広いです。 (Kono kōen wa totemo hiroi desu.) – This park is very wide.
- 広場で友達と会いましょう。 (Hiroba de tomodachi to aimashou.) – Let’s meet at the plaza.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “大” (dai), which means “big” or “large.” While both convey a sense of size, “広” specifically refers to width or breadth, whereas “大” refers to overall size.
Antonyms: An antonym of “広” is “狭” (sema), which means “narrow” or “tight.” This word describes spaces that are limited in width.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “広” is significant in Japanese culture, where spaciousness is often associated with comfort and tranquility. Traditional Japanese gardens, for example, emphasize open spaces to create a sense of harmony with nature.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “広い心” (hiroi kokoro), which means “a broad mind” or “open-mindedness,” reflecting the value placed on understanding and acceptance in Japanese society.