1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “雲” (pronounced “kumo” in Japanese) means “cloud.” It represents the fluffy, white formations seen in the sky, often associated with weather and nature.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “雲” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “雨” (meaning “rain”) and the phonetic component “云,” which suggests the sound. This combination reflects the idea of clouds being associated with rain.
The radical “雨” is commonly found in kanji related to weather and precipitation.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “雲” are:
- 雲海 (うんかい, “sea of clouds”)
- 雲形 (うんけい, “cloud shape”)
Example sentence in daily conversation:
今日は雲が多いですね。 (きょうはくもがおおいですね。) – “There are many clouds today, aren’t there?”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 霧 (きり, “fog”) – while both refer to atmospheric phenomena, “霧” specifically denotes fog, which is denser and closer to the ground.
Antonyms include:
- 晴れ (はれ, “clear/sunny”) – representing clear skies without clouds.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
In Japanese culture, clouds are often associated with change and the transient nature of life. They appear in various art forms, poetry, and literature.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions include:
- 雲の上の存在 (くものうえのそんざい, “a being above the clouds”) – referring to someone who is in a high position or has a lofty status.