1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “物” (pronounced “mono”) means “thing” or “object.” It refers to physical items, as well as abstract concepts in certain contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “物” is a compound character, which combines the radical “牛” (ushi, meaning “cow”) and the character “勿” (matsu, meaning “do not”). This combination originally referred to livestock, which were valuable objects in ancient times.
Radical: The radical for “物” is “牛,” which relates to animals and, by extension, to things of value.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “物” are:
- 物語 (monogatari) – story, tale
- 物質 (busshitsu) – substance
- 物価 (bukka) – commodity prices
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この物はとても高いです。 (Kono mono wa totemo takai desu.) – This item is very expensive.
- 彼は面白い物語を話しました。 (Kare wa omoshiroi monogatari o hanashimashita.) – He told an interesting story.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “事” (koto), which means “thing” or “matter,” but it often refers to events or actions rather than physical objects.
Antonyms: An antonym for “物” could be “無” (mu), meaning “nothing” or “absence,” which represents the lack of things.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “物” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where the appreciation of objects and their significance is prevalent, especially in traditional arts and crafts.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “物は言いよう” (mono wa iiyou), which means “things can be interpreted in various ways,” highlighting the subjective nature of perception.