1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “睡” (sui) means “sleep.” It represents the state of resting or being in a state of unconsciousness, typically during the night.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “睡” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “water” (氵) and the phonetic component “sui” (催), which relates to the concept of sleep.
Radical: The radical of “睡” is 氵, which is associated with water, symbolizing the calming and soothing nature of sleep.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 睡眠 (すいみん, suimin) – sleep
- 睡眠不足 (すいみんぶそく, suimin busoku) – lack of sleep
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 昨夜はよく睡眠が取れましたか？ (さくやはよくすいみんがとれましたか？) – Did you get a good night’s sleep last night?
- 睡眠不足は健康に良くないです。 (すいみんぶそくはけんこうにいいくないです。) – Lack of sleep is not good for your health.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 眠 (ねむ, nemu) – also means “sleep,” but is often used to describe the act of falling asleep or being drowsy.
Antonyms:
- 覚醒 (かくせい, kakusei) – means “awakening” or “to wake up,” representing the opposite state of sleep.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Sleep is an important aspect of Japanese culture, often associated with health and well-being. The concept of “napping” (昼寝, ひるね, hirune) is also culturally accepted and encouraged.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「寝る子は育つ」 (ねるこはそだつ) – “Children who sleep grow,” emphasizing the importance of sleep for growth and development.