1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “縛” (baku) means “to bind” or “to tie.” It conveys the idea of restraining or fastening something together, often used in contexts involving physical binding or metaphorical constraints.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “縛” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements representing “thread” (糸) and “to bind” (拍). This reflects its meaning related to binding or tying with threads.
Radical: The radical of “縛” is 糸 (ito), which means “thread” or “string.” This radical is commonly found in kanji related to textiles or binding.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “縛” are 縛る (baburu – to bind) and 縛り (bari – binding).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はロープで荷物を縛った。 (Kare wa roopu de nimotsu o babutta.) – He tied the luggage with a rope.
- このルールは私たちを縛るものではない。 (Kono ruuru wa watashitachi o shibaru mono de wa nai.) – This rule does not bind us.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “束” (soku), which also means “to bind” but often refers to a bundle or a group of items tied together. The difference lies in the context of use; “縛” emphasizes the act of binding itself.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “解” (kai), which means “to untie” or “to release,” representing the action of freeing something that has been bound.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of binding is significant in various aspects of Japanese culture, including traditional crafts like weaving and knot tying, which symbolize connection and unity.
Proverbs and Idioms: An example of an idiom is “縛られた思考” (shibarareta shikou), meaning “bound thinking,” which refers to a mindset that is restricted or limited by preconceived notions.