1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “瞬” (shun) means “moment” or “instant.” It conveys the idea of a very brief period of time, often emphasizing the fleeting nature of time or events.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “瞬” is composed of two parts: the radical “目” (eye) and the phonetic component “舜” (shun). The eye represents observation or sight, while the phonetic part contributes to the pronunciation. This kanji can be classified as a 形声文字 (keisei moji), which combines meaning and sound.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “瞬” are:
- 瞬間 (shunkan) – moment, instant
- 瞬時 (shunji) – instantaneous
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「その瞬間、彼はすべてを理解した。」
(“At that moment, he understood everything.”)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 時 (ji) – time, which refers to a broader concept of time rather than a specific moment.
- 刻 (koku) – a specific point in time, often used in a more formal context.
Antonyms include:
- 永遠 (eien) – eternity, which signifies an infinite duration of time.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “瞬” is significant in Japanese culture, where the appreciation of fleeting moments is often reflected in art and literature. For example, the idea of “mono no aware,” which expresses the beauty of transient things, resonates with the meaning of “瞬.”
Proverbs and idioms that relate to this concept include:
- 「一瞬の光」(isshun no hikari) – “a moment of light,” symbolizing a brief but beautiful experience.