1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 慰 (pronounced “i” or “yu”) means to comfort or console someone. It conveys a sense of providing emotional support or relief to someone who is experiencing distress or sadness.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji 慰 is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of “heart” (心) and “to be at ease” (慰). The heart component signifies emotions, while the other part suggests a state of comfort.
The radical of this kanji is 心 (heart), which is commonly associated with feelings and emotions in many other kanji as well.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include 慰 are:
- 慰める (nagusameru) – to comfort
- 慰藉 (isha) – consolation
Example sentence in daily conversation:
彼女は友達を慰めるために、優しい言葉をかけた。 (She spoke kind words to comfort her friend.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 癒 (iyasu) – to heal, which focuses more on physical or emotional healing rather than just comfort.
Antonyms include:
- 苦 (kurushimu) – to suffer, which represents pain or distress, the opposite of providing comfort.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji 慰 is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where the act of comforting others is highly valued. It reflects the importance of empathy and emotional support in social interactions.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to 慰 include:
- 心の慰め (kokoro no nagusame) – a comfort to the heart, emphasizing emotional support.