1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “羅” (ra) generally means “to spread” or “to arrange.” It is often associated with the idea of laying out or displaying something, such as fabric or information.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “羅” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “to spread” with phonetic elements that suggest its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “羅” is “衣” (clothing), which relates to its meaning of fabric or textiles.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “羅” are “羅針盤” (ra-shin-pan, meaning “compass”) and “網羅” (mōra, meaning “to cover” or “to include”).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この地図は情報を羅列しています。 (This map lays out the information.)
- 彼は多くの資料を網羅しています。 (He covers a lot of materials.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “展” (ten), which means “to expand” or “to exhibit,” but it is more focused on the act of showing rather than the arrangement.
Antonyms: An antonym could be “隠” (in), which means “to hide,” representing the opposite action of spreading or displaying.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “羅” is often used in contexts related to textiles and traditional clothing, reflecting Japan’s rich history in fabric arts.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “羅生門” (Rashōmon), which refers to a place of moral ambiguity, illustrating the complexity of truth and perception in human experiences.