1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “憧” (pronounced “adou”) means “to long for” or “to yearn for.” It expresses a deep desire or admiration for something or someone, often associated with dreams and aspirations.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “憧” is a compound character, formed by combining two parts: the radical “心” (meaning “heart” or “mind”) and the character “仆” (which can mean “to fall” or “to collapse”). This combination suggests a heartfelt longing or desire.
The radical “心” indicates that the meaning is related to emotions and feelings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “憧” are:
- 憧れ (あこがれ, akogare) – longing, aspiration
- 憧れる (あこがれる, akogareru) – to long for, to yearn for
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼女のようになりたいという憧れがあります。」
(“I have a longing to be like her.”)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 夢 (ゆめ, yume) – dream (more focused on aspirations during sleep or idealistic goals)
- 願望 (がんぼう, ganbou) – desire (more general and can refer to any wish)
Antonyms include:
- 無関心 (むかんしん, mukanshin) – indifference (lack of interest or concern)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “憧” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where aspirations and dreams are often celebrated in literature and art. It reflects the Japanese value of striving for personal growth and idealism.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “憧” include:
- 「憧れは夢の始まり」 – “Longing is the beginning of a dream.”
This highlights the importance of aspirations in achieving one’s goals in life.