1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 踏 (pronounced “fumu” or “tamu”) means “to step on” or “to tread.” It conveys the action of placing one’s foot on something, often implying movement or progression.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 踏 is a compound character that combines the elements of “foot” (足) and “to tread” (踏). It is categorized as a phonetic-ideographic character, where the left part indicates the meaning related to feet, and the right part provides the phonetic sound.
Radical: The radical for 踏 is 足 (ashi), which means “foot.” This radical is commonly found in kanji related to movement or feet.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 踏 are:
- 踏切 (ふみきり, fumikiri) – “railroad crossing”
- 踏み込む (ふみこむ, fumikomu) – “to step into” or “to intrude”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は泥の中を踏んでしまった。
(かれはどろのなかをふんでしまった。)
“He stepped into the mud.” - 踏切で電車を待っている。
(ふみきりででんしゃをまっている。)
“I am waiting for the train at the railroad crossing.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 歩 (あゆむ, ayumu), which means “to walk.” While both involve movement, 踏 emphasizes stepping on something, whereas 歩 focuses on the act of walking itself.
Antonyms: An antonym for 踏 could be 避ける (さける, sakeru), meaning “to avoid.” This contrasts with the action of stepping on something, as it implies steering clear of it.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji 踏 is often associated with traditional Japanese practices, such as the art of kintsugi, where one “steps” into the process of repairing broken pottery, symbolizing resilience and beauty in imperfection.
Proverbs and Idioms: A common idiom is 踏み込む (ふみこむ, fumikomu), which can mean “to delve into” or “to get involved,” often used in contexts where someone is stepping into a situation or issue that requires attention.