1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “玩” (pronounced “wan” in Chinese and “wan” in Japanese) means “to play” or “to toy with.” It conveys the idea of engaging in playful activities or handling objects in a light-hearted manner.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “玩” is a compound character, which means it is formed by combining different elements. It is classified as a 形声文字 (phonetic-ideographic character), where the left part suggests the meaning related to play, and the right part provides the phonetic sound.
Radical: The radical of “玩” is “王” (meaning “king” or “jewel”), which often relates to preciousness or value, hinting at the idea of playing with something valuable or cherished.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “玩” are:
- 玩具 (おもちゃ, omocha) – toy
- 遊玩 (ゆうがん, yūgan) – to play or amuse oneself
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 子供たちは公園で玩具で遊んでいます。
(The children are playing with toys in the park.) - 彼は新しいゲームを玩んでいる。
(He is toying with a new game.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “遊” (pronounced “yū”), which also means “to play” but often emphasizes leisure and enjoyment rather than the act of handling objects.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “働” (pronounced “dō”), which means “to work,” representing a serious or laborious activity as opposed to playful engagement.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of play is significant in Japanese culture, where traditional games and toys are cherished. The kanji “玩” reflects this cultural appreciation for playfulness and creativity.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “遊び心” (あそびごころ, asobigokoro), which means “a playful spirit,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of playfulness in life.