1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “被” (pronounced “hi” or “be”) generally means “to be subjected to” or “to receive.” It often conveys the idea of being affected by something or being in a passive state.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “被” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “clothing” (衣) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “被” is 衣 (koromo), which relates to clothing or garments, indicating a connection to the idea of being covered or enveloped.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “被” are 被害 (higai – damage, harm) and 被災 (hisai – disaster victim).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は事故で被害を受けた。 (Kare wa jiko de higai o uketa.) – He was harmed in the accident.
- この地域は台風によって被災した。 (Kono chiiki wa taifuu ni yotte hisai shita.) – This area was affected by the typhoon.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 受 (u – to receive), which also conveys the idea of receiving something but is more active in nature. In contrast, “被” implies a passive experience.
Antonyms: An antonym is 与 (yo – to give), which indicates an active role in providing or giving something, contrasting with the passive nature of “被.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “被” is often used in contexts related to disasters and social issues, reflecting the importance of community support and resilience in Japanese culture.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is 被害者意識 (higaisha ishiki – victim mentality), which refers to a mindset where one sees themselves as a victim, often used in discussions about personal responsibility and social issues.