1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “居” (pronounced “i” or “kyo”) primarily means “to reside” or “to stay.” It conveys the idea of being in a place or having a presence in a specific location.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “居” is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of a place with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “居” is “居” itself, which relates to the concept of dwelling or residing.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “居” are:
- 居住 (きょじゅう, kyojū) – residence
- 居間 (いま, ima) – living room
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は東京に居住しています。 (かれはとうきょうにきょじゅうしています。) – He resides in Tokyo.
- 居間でテレビを見ています。 (いまてれびをみています。) – I am watching TV in the living room.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “住” (じゅう, jū), which also means “to live” but emphasizes the act of living rather than the location.
Antonyms: An antonym for “居” could be “去” (きょ, kyo), which means “to leave” or “to depart,” indicating a movement away from a place.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “居” is significant in Japanese culture, where the idea of home and residence is deeply valued. Traditional Japanese homes often emphasize the importance of space and presence.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “居るだけでいい” (いるだけでいい), which means “just being there is enough,” highlighting the value of presence in relationships and community.