1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “晶” (shou) means “sparkle” or “crystal.” It represents clarity and brilliance, often associated with light and purity.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “晶” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the elements of “水” (water) and “青” (blue/green), symbolizing the clarity and brilliance of water in its purest form.
Radical: The radical of “晶” is “水” (water), which is often associated with fluidity and clarity.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 晶体 (shoutai) – crystal
- 水晶 (suishou) – quartz
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この水晶はとても美しいです。 (Kono suishou wa totemo utsukushii desu.) – This crystal is very beautiful.
- 星が夜空で晶のように輝いています。 (Hoshi ga yozora de shou no you ni kagayaiteimasu.) – The stars shine like crystals in the night sky.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 光 (hikari) – light; while both “晶” and “光” relate to brightness, “光” refers more to light itself rather than the clarity of a crystal.
Antonyms:
- 暗 (an) – dark; this kanji represents the opposite of brightness and clarity.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, crystals are often associated with purity and spiritual clarity. They are used in various traditional practices, including healing and meditation.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 水晶のように透明な心 (Suishou no you ni toumei na kokoro) – A heart as clear as crystal, meaning someone who is honest and pure-hearted.