1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “砕” (sai) means “to break” or “to shatter.” It conveys the idea of something being crushed or fragmented into smaller pieces.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “砕” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “stone” (石) with a phonetic component that suggests the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “砕” is 石 (ishi), which means “stone.” This indicates that the kanji is related to something hard or solid that can be broken.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “砕” are:
- 砕ける (くだける, kudakeru) – to break or shatter
- 砕く (くだく, kudaku) – to crush or break something
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- このガラスは簡単に砕ける。 (Kono garasu wa kantan ni kudakeru.) – This glass can easily shatter.
- 彼は氷を砕いて飲み物を作った。 (Kare wa koori o kudakite nomimono o tsukutta.) – He crushed the ice to make a drink.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “壊” (kai), which also means “to break.” However, “壊” often implies a more destructive or irreversible breakage, while “砕” can refer to breaking into smaller pieces without necessarily implying total destruction.
Antonyms: A kanji with an opposite meaning is “固” (ko), which means “solid” or “firm.” This represents the state of being unbroken or intact.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of breaking or shattering is often found in Japanese art and literature, symbolizing transformation or change. For example, the breaking of a vase can represent the fragility of life.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “砕けた心” (kudaketa kokoro), which means “a broken heart,” often used to describe emotional pain or heartbreak.