1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “丹” (pronounced “tan”) generally means “red” or “cinnabar,” which is a bright red mineral used historically in pigments. It can also symbolize beauty and brightness.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “丹” is classified as a pictogram, originally depicting a red object. It is one of the simplest kanji, representing the color red in a straightforward manner.
Radical: The radical for “丹” is also “丹,” which is used in other kanji related to color and beauty.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “丹” are:
- 丹精 (たんせい, tansei) – “sincerity” or “dedication”
- 丹念 (たんねん, tannen) – “careful” or “meticulous”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この絵は丹色がとても美しいです。 (このえはたんいろがとてもびゅうです。) – “The color red in this painting is very beautiful.”
- 彼は丹念に仕事をしています。 (かれはたんねんにしごとをしています。) – “He is working meticulously.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “赤” (あか, aka), which also means “red” but is more commonly used in everyday language. “丹” has a more specific connotation related to beauty and traditional contexts.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “青” (あお, ao), which means “blue,” representing a color that contrasts with red.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, “丹” is often associated with traditional arts, such as painting and calligraphy, where the color red symbolizes good fortune and happiness.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “丹精込める” (たんせいこめる, tansei komeru), which means to put one’s heart and soul into something, reflecting the importance of dedication and care in Japanese values.