1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “弔” (pronounced “chou”) means “to mourn” or “to offer condolences.” It is often associated with funerals and expressions of grief.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “弔” is a phono-semantic compound, which means it combines both meaning and sound elements. The left part “弓” (bow) suggests a connection to the act of mourning, while the right part “長” (long) can imply a prolonged state of sadness.
Radical: The radical of “弔” is “弓,” which relates to the bow, symbolizing tension and the act of bending, much like the emotional state of mourning.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 弔辞 (ちょうじ, “chouji”) – eulogy
- 弔い (とむらい, “tomurai”) – mourning
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼の死を弔うために、私たちは集まりました。 (かれのしをとむらうために、わたしたちはあつまりました。) – We gathered to mourn his death.
- 弔辞を読むのはとても辛いことです。 (ちょうじをよむのはとてもつらいことです。) – Reading a eulogy is very difficult.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 哀 (あい, “ai”) – sorrow; this kanji emphasizes the feeling of sadness itself.
- 悲 (ひ, “hi”) – sadness; this kanji also conveys a sense of grief but is more general.
Antonyms:
- 喜 (き, “ki”) – joy; this kanji represents happiness and is the opposite of mourning.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: In Japan, “弔” is deeply rooted in the customs surrounding death and mourning. It is often used in formal contexts, such as during funerals and memorial services.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common phrase is “弔いの言葉” (とむらいのことば, “tomurai no kotoba”), which means “words of condolence.” This reflects the importance of expressing sympathy in Japanese culture.