1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “筆” (hitsu) means “brush” or “writing brush.” It is commonly associated with writing, calligraphy, and artistic expression.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “筆” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of a brush with phonetic elements to convey its sound.
Radical: The radical for “筆” is “毛” (ke), which means “hair” or “fur,” symbolizing the bristles of a brush.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 筆記 (ひっき, hikki) – writing
- 筆者 (ひっしゃ, hissha) – author
- 筆箱 (ふでばこ, fudebako) – pencil case
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私は毎日、筆で日記を書いています。 (I write in my diary every day with a brush.)
- この筆はとても使いやすいです。 (This brush is very easy to use.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- ペン (pen) – pen; while both are used for writing, a pen uses ink and is more modern compared to a brush.
Antonyms:
- 消しゴム (けしごむ, keshigomu) – eraser; it serves the opposite function of removing what has been written.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The brush is an essential tool in traditional Japanese calligraphy (書道, shodō), which emphasizes the beauty of strokes and the flow of ink.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 筆の誤り (ひつのあやまり, hitsu no ayamari) – “a mistake of the brush,” meaning a mistake in writing or expression.