1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “遍” (pronounced “hen”) generally means “to go around” or “to spread.” It conveys the idea of something being widespread or occurring in various places.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “遍” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “毛” (meaning “hair” or “fur”) and the phonetic component “遍,” which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “遍” is “毛,” which often relates to things that are fine or delicate, but in this context, it helps to form the overall meaning of spreading or covering.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “遍” are “遍歴” (henreki – travel around) and “遍在” (henzai – omnipresence).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この地域は美しい景色が遍在しています。 (This area has beautiful scenery everywhere.)
- 彼は世界を遍歴して、多くの経験を積みました。 (He traveled around the world and gained a lot of experience.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “広” (hiro – wide), which also conveys a sense of expansiveness but focuses more on the width rather than the act of spreading.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “狭” (se – narrow), which indicates a limited or confined space, contrasting with the idea of something being widespread.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “遍” is often associated with travel and exploration in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of experiencing different places and cultures.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “遍く知れ渡る” (utakushiku shirawataru), which means “to be known far and wide,” emphasizing the widespread nature of knowledge or information.