1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “垂” (pronounced “sui” or “taru”) primarily means “to hang down” or “to droop.” It conveys the idea of something that is suspended or hanging, often used in various contexts to describe physical objects or metaphorical concepts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “垂” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “土” (earth) at the bottom, which often relates to ground or soil, and the phonetic component “垂” that suggests the action of hanging.
Radical: The radical of “垂” is “土” (earth), indicating its connection to the ground or physical space.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “垂” are:
- 垂直 (すいちょく, suichoku) – vertical
- 垂れ幕 (たれまく, taremaku) – hanging banner
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この絵は垂直に掛けられています。 (This painting is hung vertically.)
- 垂れ幕が風に揺れています。 (The hanging banner is swaying in the wind.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “下” (した, shita), which means “below” or “down.” While both convey a sense of downward movement, “垂” specifically emphasizes the action of hanging or drooping.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “上” (うえ, ue), meaning “above” or “up,” which indicates a position higher than something else.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of “垂” is often seen in traditional Japanese art and architecture, where elements are designed to hang or droop gracefully, reflecting the aesthetic of simplicity and natural beauty.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “垂れ流し” (たれながし, tarenagashi), which means to let something flow freely, often used in the context of information or emotions that are expressed without restraint.