1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “煙” (pronounced “kemuri” in Japanese) means “smoke.” It represents the visible vapor that is produced when something burns, and it is often associated with fire and combustion.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “煙” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “fire” (火) on the bottom, indicating its association with burning, and the phonetic component “yen” (煙) on the top, which suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “煙” is 火 (hi), which means “fire.” This radical is commonly found in kanji related to heat and combustion.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 煙草 (たばこ, tabako) – tobacco
- 煙突 (えんとつ, entotsu) – chimney
- 煙霧 (えんむ, enmu) – smoke and fog
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「キャンプファイヤーから煙が上がっている。」(The smoke is rising from the campfire.)
- 「煙草を吸うのは体に良くない。」(Smoking tobacco is not good for your health.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 霧 (きり, kiri) – fog; while both “煙” and “霧” refer to vapor, “霧” is denser and typically associated with weather conditions.
Antonyms:
- 清 (せい, sei) – clear; this kanji represents clarity and purity, contrasting with the obscurity of smoke.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japan, smoke has various cultural significances, such as in traditional ceremonies and rituals. For example, incense smoke is often used in temples for purification.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “煙のように消える” (to disappear like smoke), which describes something that vanishes quickly and unexpectedly.