1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “机” (pronounced “tsukue” in Japanese) means “desk” or “table.” It refers to a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for working, studying, or dining.
2. Formation and Radicals
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “机” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of a table or desk with phonetic elements to convey its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “机” is “木” (meaning “tree” or “wood”), which indicates that the object is made of wood, a common material for desks.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 机上 (きじょう, kijou) – on the desk
- 机の上 (つくえのうえ, tsukue no ue) – on top of the desk
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私の机の上は散らかっています。 (わたしのつくえのうえはちらかっています。) – My desk is messy.
- この机はとても使いやすいです。 (このつくえはとてもつかいやすいです。) – This desk is very easy to use.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- テーブル (teeburu) – This is a loanword from English, meaning “table,” but it can refer to a wider range of tables, not just desks.
Antonyms:
- 床 (ゆか, yuka) – meaning “floor,” which is the opposite of a raised surface like a desk.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Desks have been an essential part of Japanese education and work culture, symbolizing study and productivity.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 机上の空論 (きじょうのくうろん, kijou no kuuron) – “theory without practice,” referring to ideas that are impractical or not grounded in reality.