1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “京” (kyō) primarily means “capital” or “capital city.” It is often associated with major cities, particularly in Japan, where it refers to Kyoto, the historical capital.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “京” is a phonetic-ideographic character, which means it combines both meaning and sound. The character is composed of the radical for “city” (亠) at the top and the phonetic component “京” itself, which suggests its pronunciation.
The radical for “京” is 亠, which relates to the concept of a place or location.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “京” are:
- 京都 (Kyoto) – the historical capital of Japan
- 東京 (Tokyo) – the current capital of Japan
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 「私は京都に行きたいです。」(I want to go to Kyoto.)
- 「東京はとても大きな都市です。」(Tokyo is a very large city.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 都 (to) – meaning “metropolis” or “capital,” but often used in a broader sense than 京.
Antonyms include:
- 田 (ta) – meaning “rice field,” which represents rural areas as opposed to urban centers.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “京” has significant ties to Japanese culture, particularly as it relates to the historical context of Kyoto as the imperial capital for over a millennium. It symbolizes tradition, history, and cultural heritage.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “京” often reflect the importance of cities in Japanese life, such as:
- 「京の都は千年の都」(Kyoto is a city of a thousand years), emphasizing its long-standing historical significance.