1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 泳 (pronounced “oi” or “yō”) means “to swim.” It represents the action of moving through water using one’s limbs.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 泳 is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the water radical 氵 (which indicates a relation to water) with the phonetic component 永 (which suggests the sound).
Radical: The radical for 泳 is 氵, which is a variant of the radical for water, indicating that the meaning is related to aquatic activities.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 泳ぐ (およぐ, oyogu) – to swim
- 水泳 (すいえい, suiei) – swimming (as a sport)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 夏に海で泳ぐのが好きです。 (なつにうみでおよぐのがすきです。) – I like to swim in the sea during summer.
- 彼は水泳が得意です。 (かれはすいえいがとくいです。) – He is good at swimming.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 潜 (せん, sen) – to dive; this kanji implies going underwater, while 泳 focuses on swimming on the surface.
Opposite Kanji:
- 陸 (りく, riku) – land; this kanji represents the opposite of water, where swimming cannot occur.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Swimming has been an important part of Japanese culture, especially in summer festivals and traditional practices. The kanji 泳 reflects this cultural significance.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 泳ぐ者は水を得る (およぐものはみずをえる) – “Those who swim gain water,” meaning that those who take action will find opportunities.