1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “璧” (pronounced “heki” in Japanese) refers to a precious jade disc or a round jewel. It symbolizes perfection, beauty, and value, often associated with high status and nobility in ancient cultures.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “璧” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements representing jade and a circular shape. It visually conveys the idea of a beautiful, round jewel.
Radical: The radical for “璧” is “玉” (meaning “jade” or “gem”), which is often associated with precious stones and beauty.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “璧” are “璧玉” (heki-dama, meaning “jade disc”) and “璧を失う” (heki o ushinau, meaning “to lose something precious”).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「この璧はとても美しいですね。」(This jade disc is very beautiful.)
- 「彼は璧を失ったように見えた。」(He looked as if he had lost something precious.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “玉” (tama), which also means “jade” or “gem,” but it can refer to any round object or ball, not just a precious jewel.
Antonyms: An antonym could be “石” (ishi), meaning “stone,” which generally refers to common stones that lack the value and beauty associated with “璧.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, “璧” is often associated with nobility and high status, as jade was historically valued by the elite. It appears in various traditional arts and crafts.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “璧の如し” (heki no gotoshi), which means “as precious as a jewel,” used to describe something of great value or importance.