1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “萎” (pronounced “i” in Japanese) generally means “to wither” or “to wilt.” It is often used to describe plants that are losing vitality or freshness.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “萎” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “grass” (艹) at the top, indicating its relation to plants, with the phonetic component “韋” (pronounced “i”), which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “萎” is “艹” (grass), which is commonly found in kanji related to plants and vegetation.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 萎れた (いれた, iretai) – wilted
- 萎縮 (いしゅく, ishuku) – atrophy
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この花は水が足りなくて、すぐに萎れてしまった。
- (This flower wilted quickly because it didn’t have enough water.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 枯 (かれ, kare) – to dry up; this term emphasizes the complete loss of vitality, while “萎” suggests a gradual wilting.
Antonyms:
- 生 (せい, sei) – to live; this kanji represents vitality and growth, contrasting with the concept of wilting.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “萎” is often associated with the transient nature of life, a theme prevalent in Japanese aesthetics, particularly in poetry and art.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「花は盛りに、月は隈なし」 (Hana wa sakari ni, tsuki wa kumanashi) – This proverb reflects the beauty of flowers at their peak, contrasting with the idea of wilting.