1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “碑” (hi) means “monument” or “tombstone.” It refers to a stone tablet or marker that commemorates a person, event, or place, often inscribed with text or images.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “碑” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines two elements: the radical “石” (ishi), meaning “stone,” and the phonetic component “非” (hi), which contributes to its pronunciation. Together, they convey the idea of a stone marker.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “碑” are:
- 墓碑 (bohi) – gravestone
- 記念碑 (kinenhi) – memorial monument
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼の墓碑は美しい彫刻で飾られています。」
(Kare no bohi wa utsukushii choukoku de kazatteimasu.)
“His gravestone is adorned with beautiful carvings.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 石碑 (sekihi) – stone monument, which specifically refers to a stone tablet.
Antonyms include:
- 消失 (shoushitsu) – disappearance, which conveys the opposite idea of permanence associated with a monument.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “碑” has significant ties to Japanese culture, particularly in the context of honoring ancestors and commemorating historical events. In Japan, many temples and shrines feature “碑” to pay respect to the deceased.
Proverbs and idioms related to “碑” include:
- 「碑を立てる」(hi o tateru) – to erect a monument, which signifies honoring someone’s memory.