1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “毀” (pronounced “ki” in Japanese) means “to destroy” or “to damage.” It conveys the idea of causing harm or ruin to something, often used in contexts related to physical destruction or metaphorical damage, such as reputation or relationships.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “毀” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. The left part, “毛” (meaning “fur” or “hair”), suggests a connection to something delicate, while the right part, “圭” (a phonetic component), provides the sound.
Radical: The radical of “毀” is “毛,” which is often associated with hair or fur, indicating a sense of fragility or something that can be easily damaged.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “毀” are “毀損” (kison – damage) and “毀滅” (kimetsu – destruction).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼の行動は彼の評判を毀損した。 (His actions damaged his reputation.)
- 自然災害が町を毀滅させた。 (The natural disaster destroyed the town.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “壊” (kai), which also means “to break” or “to destroy,” but it often implies a more physical breaking apart, while “毀” can refer to both physical and abstract damage.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite kanji is “保” (ho), meaning “to protect” or “to preserve,” which conveys the idea of safeguarding something rather than causing harm.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of “毀” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in discussions about honor and reputation. Damaging someone’s reputation can have serious social consequences.
Proverbs and Idioms: An example of a related proverb is “毀誉褒貶” (kiyo-hōhen), which means “praise and blame,” highlighting the dual nature of public perception and the ease with which one’s reputation can be damaged.