1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “揮” (ki) generally means “to wave” or “to wield.” It often conveys the idea of moving something with force or skill, such as waving a flag or wielding a sword.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “揮” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “hand” (扌) and the character “奇” (ki), which adds the nuance of something extraordinary or remarkable.
Radical: The radical of “揮” is 扌, which is related to actions performed by the hand.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “揮” are:
- 揮発 (きはつ, kihatsu) – “evaporation”
- 揮舞 (きぶ, kibū) – “to wave or brandish”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は旗を揮って、私たちを迎えました。
(He waved the flag to welcome us.) - 彼女は剣を揮って、敵を撃退した。
(She wielded her sword to fend off the enemy.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “振” (shin), which also means “to shake” or “to wave,” but it often implies a more gentle or casual movement.
Antonyms: An antonym could be “静” (shizu), meaning “quiet” or “calm,” which conveys the opposite of movement or action.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “揮” is often associated with martial arts and traditional practices where skillful movements are essential. It reflects the importance of precision and control in Japanese culture.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “揮毫” (きごう, kigō), which refers to the act of writing or painting with skill, often used in the context of calligraphy.