1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “溺” (pronounced “deki” or “noboru”) means “to drown” or “to be submerged.” It conveys the idea of being overwhelmed by water or a situation, often used in contexts related to drowning or losing oneself in emotions or circumstances.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “溺” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the water radical (氵) on the left, indicating its relation to water, with the phonetic component “nek” (often associated with the sound “deki”).
Radical: The radical of “溺” is 氵, which is the water radical, commonly found in kanji related to water or liquid.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 溺れる (oboreru) – to drown
- 溺死 (dekishi) – drowning death
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は川で溺れそうになった。 (Kare wa kawa de oboresou ni natta.) – He almost drowned in the river.
- 感情に溺れないようにしよう。 (Kanjou ni oborenai you ni shiyou.) – Let’s not get overwhelmed by our emotions.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 沈 (chin) – to sink; it emphasizes the act of going down into water, while “溺” focuses on drowning or being overwhelmed.
Antonyms:
- 浮 (fu) – to float; it represents the opposite action of being submerged or drowned.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of drowning is often used metaphorically in Japanese literature and art to express feelings of despair or being overwhelmed by life’s challenges.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 溺れる者は藁をもつかむ (Oboreru mono wa wara wo mo tsukamu) – “A drowning person will grasp at straws,” meaning that in desperate situations, people will cling to any hope.