1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “縦” (pronounced “tate” in Japanese) means “vertical” or “lengthwise.” It is used to describe something that is oriented in an up-and-down direction, as opposed to horizontal.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “縦” is a combination of two components. The left part, “糸” (ito), represents “thread” or “string,” indicating a connection to textiles. The right part, “竖” (shù), is a phonetic element that contributes to the pronunciation. This kanji can be classified as a compound character (会意文字) because it combines meaning and sound.
Radical: The radical of “縦” is “糸” (ito), which is commonly associated with textiles and threads.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 縦の線 (tate no sen) – vertical line
- 縦書き (tategaki) – vertical writing
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この絵は縦に描かれています。 (Kono e wa tate ni kakareteimasu.) – This painting is drawn vertically.
- 縦書きの本を読むのが好きです。 (Tategaki no hon o yomu no ga suki desu.) – I like reading books that are written vertically.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 直 (nao) – meaning “straight” or “upright,” which can also imply vertical orientation but does not specifically refer to length.
Antonyms:
- 横 (yoko) – meaning “horizontal,” which is the opposite of vertical.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of verticality is significant in Japanese aesthetics, particularly in traditional art forms and calligraphy, where vertical writing is often preferred.
Proverbs and Idioms: There are no widely known proverbs specifically using “縦,” but the idea of verticality can be found in discussions about balance and structure in various cultural contexts.