1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “潰” (pronounced “tsubushi” or “kai”) generally means “to crush,” “to smash,” or “to break.” It conveys the idea of something being destroyed or rendered unusable, often through force or pressure.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “潰” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. The left part, “氵” (water radical), suggests a connection to liquid, while the right part, “圭,” relates to a shape or form, indicating the act of breaking something down.
Radical: The radical of “潰” is “氵,” which is associated with water and liquids, hinting at the context in which something can be crushed or broken down.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “潰” are:
- 潰れる (tsubureru) – to collapse or to be crushed
- 潰す (tsubusu) – to crush or to smash
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この箱は重すぎて潰れそうだ。 (Kono hako wa omosugite tsuburesou da.) – This box is too heavy and seems like it will crush.
- 彼はその問題を潰す方法を見つけた。 (Kare wa sono mondai o tsubusu houhou o mitsuketa.) – He found a way to solve that problem.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “壊” (kowasu), which also means “to break” but often implies a more destructive or irreversible action. In contrast, “潰” can suggest a more temporary state of being crushed.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym for “潰” is “保つ” (tamotsu), which means “to maintain” or “to preserve,” indicating the opposite action of keeping something intact.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “潰” is often reflected in Japanese culture, particularly in the context of food, where certain dishes may involve crushing ingredients to create textures and flavors.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “潰れる寸前” (tsubureru sunzen), which means “on the verge of collapse,” often used to describe a situation that is about to fail or break down.