1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “羽” (pronounced “hane”) means “wing” or “feather.” It represents the concept of flight and is often associated with birds and other flying creatures.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “羽” is a pictogram that visually resembles a bird’s wing or feather. It is classified as a pictographic character, as it depicts the shape of the object it represents.
Radical: The radical for “羽” is also “羽,” which is used in other kanji related to birds and flight.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “羽” are:
- 羽毛 (うもう, umou) – feather
- 羽根 (はね, hane) – wing or blade (of a fan)
- 羽ばたく (はばたく, habataku) – to flap (wings)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 鳥が空を飛ぶとき、羽を広げます。 (Tori ga sora o tobu toki, hane o hirogemasu.) – When birds fly in the sky, they spread their wings.
- この羽毛布団はとても暖かいです。 (Kono umou futon wa totemo atatakai desu.) – This feather duvet is very warm.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “翼” (つばさ, tsubasa), which also means “wing” but often refers to the wings of an aircraft or a more abstract concept of wings.
Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for “羽,” but one could consider “地” (ち, chi), meaning “ground,” as a contrasting concept to flight.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, feathers and wings symbolize freedom and transcendence. They are often depicted in art and literature.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “羽を伸ばす” (はねをのばす, hane o nobasu), which means “to stretch one’s wings,” signifying the act of enjoying freedom or taking a break from responsibilities.