1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “越” (pronounced “etsu” or “koeru”) generally means “to cross over” or “to exceed.” It conveys the idea of surpassing a boundary or going beyond a limit.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “越” is a compound character, which means it is formed by combining different elements. It is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character, where the left part suggests the meaning related to crossing, while the right part provides the phonetic sound.
Radical: The radical of “越” is “走” (meaning “to run”), which relates to movement and crossing over.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “越” are:
- 越える (koeru) – to cross over
- 越境 (ekkyou) – to cross a border
- 越冬 (ettou) – to winter over
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この川を越えるのは難しいです。 (Kono kawa o koeru no wa muzukashii desu.) – Crossing this river is difficult.
- 彼は自分の限界を越えました。 (Kare wa jibun no genkai o koemashita.) – He has exceeded his limits.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “超” (chou), which also means “to exceed” but often implies a more extreme or extraordinary level of surpassing.
Antonyms: An antonym of “越” is “未満” (biman), which means “less than” or “not reaching,” indicating a lack of crossing a certain threshold.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “越” is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with overcoming challenges and personal growth. It reflects the value placed on perseverance and striving to surpass one’s limits.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “山を越えて谷を越える” (Yama o koete tani o koeru), which means “to overcome mountains and valleys,” symbolizing the journey of overcoming obstacles in life.