1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “嘆” (pronounced “taku” or “naku”) means to lament or sigh. It expresses feelings of sorrow, regret, or disappointment.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “嘆” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “mouth” (口) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation. The radical indicates that the word is related to speaking or expressing emotions.
The radical is 口, which means “mouth.” This reflects the act of vocalizing feelings, such as lamentation.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “嘆” are:
- 嘆き (なげき, nagaki) – lamentation
- 嘆息 (たんそく, tansoku) – sighing
Example sentence in daily conversation:
彼は失敗を嘆いている。
(かれはしっぱいをなげいている。)
(He is lamenting his failure.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 悲 (ひ, hi) – sadness, which emphasizes a deeper emotional state.
- 哀 (あい, ai) – sorrow, which often conveys a sense of mourning.
Antonyms include:
- 喜 (き, ki) – joy, which represents happiness and positive emotions.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “嘆” is often associated with Japanese culture, where expressing emotions is significant. It appears in various proverbs and idioms, such as:
- 「嘆きの声」 (なげきのこえ, nagaki no koe) – the voice of lamentation, often used to describe a deep sorrow.
This kanji reflects the importance of acknowledging and expressing one’s feelings in Japanese society, highlighting the cultural value placed on emotional honesty.