1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “吸” (kyuu) means “to suck” or “to inhale.” It is often used in contexts related to drawing in air, liquid, or other substances.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “吸” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “mouth” (口) with a phonetic component that suggests the sound “kyuu.”
Radical: The radical of “吸” is 口 (kuchi), which means “mouth.” This radical is commonly associated with actions related to the mouth, such as speaking or eating.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 吸う (suu) – to suck or inhale
- 吸引 (kyuuin) – suction
- 吸収 (kyuushuu) – absorption
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- タバコを吸うのは体に良くないです。 (Tabako o suu no wa karada ni yokunai desu.) – Smoking cigarettes is not good for your health.
- このスポンジは水をよく吸います。 (Kono suponge wa mizu o yoku suimasu.) – This sponge absorbs water well.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 飲む (nomu) – to drink; while “吸” refers to sucking or inhaling, “飲む” specifically means to drink liquids.
- 吸引 (kyuuin) – suction; this term is closely related but emphasizes the action of drawing in.
Antonyms:
- 吐く (haku) – to exhale or spit; this is the opposite action of “吸,” which means to inhale.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “吸” is prevalent in various aspects of Japanese culture, including traditional tea ceremonies where the act of inhaling the aroma of tea is appreciated.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 吸うより吐くが大事 (Suu yori haku ga daiji) – It is more important to exhale than to inhale; this proverb emphasizes the importance of giving back rather than just taking in.