1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “妹” (pronounced “imouto”) means “younger sister” in Japanese. It is used to refer to a female sibling who is younger than the speaker or the person being referred to.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “妹” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “woman” (女) on the left side, indicating that it relates to a female, and the phonetic component “未” on the right side, which contributes to its pronunciation.
The radical 女 (woman) is significant as it highlights the gender aspect of the term, while 未 provides the sound element.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “妹” are:
- 妹 (いもうと, imouto) – younger sister
- 妹さん (いもうとさん, imouto-san) – younger sister (polite form)
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 私の妹は大学生です。 (Watashi no imouto wa daigakusei desu.) – My younger sister is a university student.
- 妹と一緒に映画を見に行きました。 (Imouto to issho ni eiga o mi ni ikimashita.) – I went to see a movie with my younger sister.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 姉 (あね, ane) – older sister, which refers to a female sibling who is older than the speaker.
Antonyms include:
- 兄 (あに, ani) – older brother, which refers to a male sibling who is older than the speaker.
- 弟 (おとうと, otouto) – younger brother, which refers to a male sibling who is younger than the speaker.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “妹” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where family relationships are highly valued. The term is often used in various contexts, including literature and media, to depict familial bonds.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “妹” include:
- 妹のように可愛い (imouto no you ni kawaii) – as cute as a younger sister, often used to describe someone who is endearing.
In Japanese culture, younger sisters are often seen as cherished members of the family, and the term “妹” carries a sense of affection and protection.