1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “池” (pronounced “ike”) means “pond” or “pool.” It refers to a body of water, typically smaller than a lake, often found in gardens or natural settings.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “池” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines two elements: the radical for water (氵) and the character “地” (meaning “ground” or “earth”). This combination suggests a body of water on the ground.
The radical of “池” is 氵, which is a variant of the water radical, indicating that the character is related to water.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “池” are:
- 池塘 (ちとう, chitō) – pond
- 池水 (いけみず, ikemizu) – pond water
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「公園にある池で鯉を見ました。」(こうえんにあるいけでこいをみました。) – “I saw koi fish in the pond at the park.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 湖 (みずうみ, mizuumi) – lake, which is larger than a pond.
Antonyms include:
- 山 (やま, yama) – mountain, representing elevated land as opposed to a body of water.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “池” is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with tranquility and nature. Ponds are common in traditional Japanese gardens, symbolizing harmony and reflection.
Proverbs and idioms related to “池” include:
- 「池の水を抜く」(いけのみずをぬく) – “to drain the pond,” which can mean to remove something essential or to take away resources.