1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “滅” (metsu) generally means “to extinguish,” “to destroy,” or “to perish.” It conveys the idea of something coming to an end or being completely wiped out.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “滅” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the water radical “氵” (which relates to water) and the character “滅,” which suggests the action of extinguishing or destroying.
Radical: The radical of “滅” is “氵,” which indicates that the character is related to water or liquid, often implying a process of washing away or erasing.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “滅” are “滅亡” (meibou – extinction) and “消滅” (shoumetsu – disappearance).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「この種は絶滅の危機に瀕しています。」(Kono shushi wa zetsumetsu no kiki ni hinshiteimasu.) – “This species is on the brink of extinction.”
- 「火が滅びるまで、私たちはここにいます。」(Hi ga horobiru made, watashitachi wa koko ni imasu.) – “We will stay here until the fire is extinguished.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “消” (shou), which means “to extinguish” or “to disappear,” but it is often used in contexts related to putting out fires or erasing things, while “滅” has a stronger connotation of destruction or total annihilation.
Antonyms: An antonym of “滅” is “生” (sei), which means “life” or “to live,” representing the opposite concept of existence and vitality.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “滅” is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with themes of impermanence and the transient nature of life, which is a central idea in Buddhism.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “滅私奉公” (messhi boukou), which means “to sacrifice oneself for the public good,” highlighting the idea of selflessness and the importance of community over individual desires.