1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “眠” (pronounced “min” or “nemuru”) means “to sleep” or “sleeping.” It represents the state of rest that occurs when a person is not awake.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “眠” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines two elements: the radical for “eye” (目) and the character for “to be in a state of” (今). This combination suggests the idea of closing one’s eyes to sleep.
Radical: The radical of “眠” is 目 (eye), which is often associated with vision and perception, linking it to the act of sleeping.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 眠る (nemuru) – to sleep
- 眠気 (nemuke) – drowsiness
- 眠り (nemuri) – sleep
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 昨夜はよく眠れましたか？ (Sakuya wa yoku nemuremashita ka?) – Did you sleep well last night?
- 眠気が襲ってきた。 (Nemuke ga osotte kita.) – I am feeling drowsy.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 寝 (ne) – to lie down; this kanji emphasizes the action of lying down rather than the state of being asleep.
- 休 (kyuu) – to rest; this kanji refers to taking a break, which may or may not involve sleeping.
Opposite Kanji:
- 起 (ki) – to wake up; this kanji represents the action of getting up or waking from sleep.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Sleep is an important aspect of Japanese culture, often associated with health and well-being. The concept of “napping” (昼寝, hirune) is also culturally significant, reflecting the value placed on rest.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 寝る子は育つ (Neru ko wa sodatsu) – “A sleeping child grows.” This proverb emphasizes the importance of sleep for growth and development.