1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “液” (eki) means “liquid” or “fluid.” It refers to substances that flow and take the shape of their containers, such as water, oil, or any other liquid material.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “液” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines the meaning of “water” (氵) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “液” is “水” (water), which is commonly found in kanji related to liquids and water-related concepts.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “液” are:
- 液体 (えきたい, ekitai) – liquid
- 液晶 (えきしょう, ekishou) – liquid crystal
- 液体燃料 (えきたいねんりょう, ekitai nenryou) – liquid fuel
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この瓶には透明な液体が入っています。 (This bottle contains a clear liquid.)
- 液晶テレビはとても薄いです。 (Liquid crystal TVs are very thin.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “水” (mizu), which means “water.” While “水” refers specifically to water, “液” encompasses a broader range of liquids.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym for “液” is “固” (こ, ko), which means “solid.” This represents substances that have a fixed shape and do not flow.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, liquids play a significant role in various aspects, from cooking to traditional tea ceremonies. The concept of “liquid” is often associated with fluidity and adaptability.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “水に流す” (mizu ni nagasu), which means “to let it go” or “to forgive and forget,” emphasizing the idea of allowing past grievances to flow away like water.