1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “重” (pronounced “juu” or “omo”) primarily means “heavy” or “weight.” It can also imply “important” or “serious” in certain contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “重” is a compound character that combines the elements of “heavy” and “again,” suggesting the idea of something being stacked or layered. It is classified under the radical 「里」(sato), which relates to the concept of weight and heaviness.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “重” are:
- 重い (omoi) – heavy
- 重要 (juuyou) – important
- 重ねる (kasaneru) – to stack or layer
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- この箱はとても重いです。 (This box is very heavy.)
- その問題は重要です。 (That issue is important.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 重厚 (juukou) – profound or heavy in a dignified way
- 重視 (juushi) – to emphasize or regard highly
Antonyms include:
- 軽い (karui) – light
- 軽視 (keishi) – to underestimate or disregard
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “重” has significant ties to Japanese culture, often used in contexts that emphasize the importance of weight, both literally and metaphorically. For example, in traditional Japanese proverbs, the concept of “重” can be found in phrases that highlight the value of responsibility and seriousness.
Common proverbs include:
- 重い責任 (omoi sekinin) – heavy responsibility
- 重ねての努力 (kasanete no doryoku) – repeated efforts or layered efforts