1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “振” (pronounced “shin” or “furui”) generally means “to shake,” “to wave,” or “to swing.” It conveys the action of moving something back and forth or side to side, often with a sense of energy or intention.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “振” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “手” (meaning “hand”) and the phonetic component “辰,” which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “振” is “手,” which indicates that the character is related to actions performed by the hand.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “振” are:
- 振動 (しんどう, shindou) – vibration
- 振り返る (ふりかえる, furikaeru) – to look back
- 振り子 (ふりこ, furiko) – pendulum
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は手を振って挨拶した。 (かれはてをふってあいさつした。) – He waved his hand to greet.
- 音楽に合わせて体を振った。 (おんがくにあわせてからだをふった。) – I shook my body to the music.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “揺” (ゆれ, yure), which also means “to shake” but often implies a gentler or more unstable motion, like swaying.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “静” (しずか, shizuka), meaning “quiet” or “calm,” which conveys a lack of movement or disturbance.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “振” is often associated with traditional Japanese arts, such as calligraphy and dance, where fluid movements are essential.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “振り回される” (ふりまわされる, furimawasareru), which means “to be tossed around” or “to be manipulated,” often used in contexts of being overwhelmed by circumstances.