1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “翼” (yoku) means “wing.” It represents the wings of birds and other flying creatures, symbolizing freedom, flight, and the ability to soar above challenges.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “翼” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of wings with phonetic elements to convey its sound and meaning.
Radical: The radical for “翼” is “羽” (hane), which also means “feather” or “wing.” This radical is commonly associated with birds and flight-related concepts.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 翼 (yoku) – wing
- 翼を広げる (yoku o hirogeru) – to spread one’s wings
- 翼のある夢 (yoku no aru yume) – a dream with wings (a lofty aspiration)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は自由に空を飛ぶ翼を持っているように感じる。
(Kare wa jiyū ni sora o tobu yoku o motte iru yō ni kanjiru.)
“He feels like he has wings to fly freely in the sky.” - 新しいプロジェクトに翼を広げる時が来た。
(Atarashii purojekuto ni yoku o hirogeru toki ga kita.)
“The time has come to spread our wings on the new project.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 羽 (hane) – feather; while “翼” refers to the entire wing, “羽” refers specifically to the feathers that make up the wing.
Antonyms:
- 地 (chi) – ground; representing the opposite of flight and elevation.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, wings symbolize freedom and aspiration. They are often associated with dreams and the pursuit of one’s goals.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 翼を持つ者は高く飛ぶ (Yoku o motsu mono wa takaku tobu) – “Those who have wings fly high,” meaning those with ambition and capability can achieve great things.