1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “熱” (netsu) means “heat” or “temperature.” It refers to the sensation of warmth or the degree of hotness in an object or environment. It can also imply passion or enthusiasm in a figurative sense.
2. Formation and Radicals
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “熱” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines the radical for “fire” (火) and a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation. This reflects the concept of heat being associated with fire.
Radical: The radical of “熱” is 火 (hi), which means “fire.” This radical is commonly found in kanji related to heat or burning.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “熱” are:
- 熱い (atsui) – hot
- 熱心 (nesshin) – enthusiastic
- 熱中 (necchuu) – being absorbed or passionate about something
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- このお茶はとても熱いです。 (Kono ocha wa totemo atsui desu.) – This tea is very hot.
- 彼はそのプロジェクトに熱心です。 (Kare wa sono purojekuto ni nesshin desu.) – He is enthusiastic about that project.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “暖” (dan), which means “warm.” While both relate to temperature, “暖” refers to a milder warmth, whereas “熱” indicates a higher degree of heat.
Opposite Kanji: The antonym of “熱” is “冷” (rei), which means “cold.” This kanji represents the absence of heat or low temperature.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, “熱” is often associated with passion and dedication, especially in contexts like sports or arts. The concept of “熱心” (enthusiasm) is highly valued.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “熱い心” (atsui kokoro), which translates to “a passionate heart,” emphasizing the importance of enthusiasm and commitment in one’s endeavors.