1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “仙” (sen) generally means “immortal” or “sage.” It is often associated with beings who possess extraordinary abilities and live for a long time, transcending the ordinary human experience.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “仙” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of a wise or transcendent being with phonetic elements that suggest its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “仙” is “人” (hito), which means “person.” This indicates that the character relates to human qualities or beings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 仙人 (sen’nin) – “immortal” or “sage”
- 仙境 (senkyou) – “paradise” or “fairyland”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はまるで仙人のように知恵がある。
(Kare wa maru de sen’nin no you ni chie ga aru.)
“He is as wise as a sage.” - この場所は仙境のように美しい。
(Kono basho wa senkyou no you ni utsukushii.)
“This place is as beautiful as a paradise.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 聖 (sei) – “holy” or “sacred,” which also conveys a sense of elevated status but is more focused on divinity.
- 賢 (ken) – “wise,” which emphasizes intelligence rather than immortality.
Antonyms:
- 凡 (bon) – “ordinary” or “common,” which represents the opposite of the extraordinary qualities associated with “仙.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, “仙” is often linked to folklore and mythology, where sages or immortals are depicted as wise beings who possess special powers and knowledge.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 仙人掌 (sen’nin shou) – “cactus,” literally meaning “sage plant,” reflecting the idea of resilience and survival.