1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “唇” (read as “kuchibiru” in Japanese) means “lips.” It refers to the soft, fleshy parts that form the edges of the mouth, playing a crucial role in speech, eating, and facial expressions.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “唇” is a phonetic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts: the left side “口” (kuchi), which means “mouth,” and the right side “辰” (shin), which contributes to the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “唇” is “口” (kuchi), which is commonly associated with words related to the mouth or speaking.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 唇 (kuchibiru) – lips
- 唇紅 (kuchibiru beni) – lip color
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼女は唇にリップクリームを塗った。 (Kanojo wa kuchibiru ni rippu kuriimu o nutta.) – She applied lip balm to her lips.
- 彼は唇を噛んで考えた。 (Kare wa kuchibiru o kande kangaeta.) – He bit his lips in thought.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 口 (kuchi) – mouth; while “口” refers to the entire mouth, “唇” specifically denotes the lips.
Antonyms:
- 歯 (ha) – teeth; “歯” refers to the teeth, which are located inside the mouth and serve a different function.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, lips are often associated with beauty and expression. The concept of “lip service” is also prevalent, indicating the importance of words and promises.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 唇を噛む (kuchibiru o kamu) – to bite one’s lips; this expression is used to describe someone who is holding back their emotions or reactions.