1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “恨” (pronounced “kan” or “uramu”) means “resentment” or “grudge.” It expresses a deep feeling of bitterness or anger towards someone due to a perceived wrong or injustice.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “恨” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the radical for “heart” (心) with the character “言” (to speak). This combination suggests the idea of speaking from the heart, often in a negative context.
The radical of “恨” is 心, which relates to emotions and feelings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “恨” are:
- 恨み (urami) – resentment
- 恨む (uramu) – to resent or to hold a grudge
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 彼は私に恨みを持っている。 (Kare wa watashi ni urami o motte iru.) – He holds a grudge against me.
- 恨んでいるわけではないが、彼の行動には失望した。 (Urande iru wake de wa nai ga, kare no koudou ni wa shitsubou shita.) – I don’t resent him, but I was disappointed by his actions.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 憎 (zoku) – hatred, which conveys a stronger and more intense feeling than “恨.”
Antonyms include:
- 愛 (ai) – love, which represents a positive and affectionate feeling, contrasting with the negativity of “恨.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
In Japanese culture, “恨” is often associated with themes of revenge and unresolved feelings. It appears in various proverbs and idioms, such as:
- 恨みは忘れられない (Urami wa wasurerarenai) – “Resentment cannot be forgotten.”
This reflects the cultural significance of holding onto grudges and the emotional weight they carry in interpersonal relationships.