1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “嫁” (yome) means “bride” or “wife” in Japanese. It refers to a woman who is married or is about to be married, and it carries connotations of family and domestic life.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “嫁” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of “女” (woman) and “家” (house). This reflects the traditional role of a wife in the household.
Radical: The radical of “嫁” is “女” (woman), which is commonly found in kanji related to female figures.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 嫁入り (yomeiri) – wedding or marriage
- 嫁姑 (yome-shu) – daughter-in-law and mother-in-law
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼女は素晴らしい嫁になるでしょう。 (Kanojo wa subarashii yome ni naru deshou.) – She will make a wonderful wife.
- 嫁入り道具を準備しています。 (Yomeiri dougu o junbi shiteimasu.) – I am preparing the wedding dowry.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 妻 (tsuma) – wife; this term is more commonly used in everyday conversation.
- 女 (onna) – woman; a broader term that refers to females in general.
Antonyms:
- 夫 (otto) – husband; the male counterpart in a marriage.
- 独身 (dokushin) – single; referring to someone who is not married.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “嫁” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where marriage is often seen as a significant life event that connects families. Traditionally, the role of a wife has been associated with managing the household and raising children.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 嫁は家の宝 (Yome wa ie no takara) – A wife is the treasure of the house; this saying emphasizes the value of a wife in a family.