1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “塡” (pronounced “ten” or “furu”) means “to fill” or “to stuff.” It is often used in contexts where something is being filled in or packed tightly.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “塡” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “earth” (土) and a phonetic component that suggests the sound.
Radical: The radical of “塡” is 土, which relates to earth or soil, indicating that the action of filling often involves physical materials.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “塡” are 塡塞 (ten saku – to fill up) and 塡充 (ten jū – to fill or stuff).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この穴を塡んでください。 (Please fill this hole.)
- 彼は箱を塡んでいます。 (He is stuffing the box.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “満” (man), which means “full” or “satisfied.” While “塡” focuses on the action of filling, “満” emphasizes the state of being full.
Antonyms: An antonym is “空” (sora), which means “empty.” This represents the opposite state of “塡,” indicating a lack of content.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of filling is significant in various aspects of Japanese culture, such as in traditional crafts where materials are carefully packed or filled to create art.
Proverbs and Idioms: There are idioms like “塡塞の道” (the road of filling), which metaphorically refers to overcoming obstacles by filling gaps or addressing issues directly.