1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “唄” (uta) means “song” or “to sing.” It is often used to refer to traditional Japanese songs or folk music, but can also encompass various forms of singing in general.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “唄” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which means it combines a phonetic component with a semantic component. The left part, “口” (kuchi), represents “mouth,” indicating the action of singing, while the right part, “舌” (shita), relates to the tongue, which is essential for producing sound.
The radical of “唄” is “口” (kuchi), which is commonly associated with actions related to the mouth, such as speaking or singing.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “唄” are:
- 民謡 (min’yō) – folk song
- 歌唄 (utauta) – song
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 「今夜、友達と一緒に唄を歌います。」(Kon’ya, tomodachi to issho ni uta o utaimasu.) – “Tonight, I will sing a song with my friends.”
- 「この唄はとても感動的です。」(Kono uta wa totemo kandō-teki desu.) – “This song is very moving.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 歌 (uta) – also means “song,” but is more general and widely used.
- 詩 (shi) – means “poem,” which is different as it refers to written verses rather than sung ones.
Antonyms include:
- 黙る (damaru) – means “to be silent,” which is the opposite of singing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “唄” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often associated with traditional music and festivals. It reflects the importance of music in Japanese society, where songs are used to convey emotions, tell stories, and celebrate events.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “唄” include:
- 「唄うは心の声」(Utau wa kokoro no koe) – “To sing is to express the voice of the heart.”
This highlights the cultural significance of singing as a form of emotional expression in Japan.