1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “茎” (pronounced “keiki” in Japanese) means “stem” or “stalk.” It refers to the part of a plant that supports leaves, flowers, or fruits, connecting them to the root system.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “茎” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements representing plants and their structure. The left part “艹” (the grass radical) indicates that it is related to plants, while the right part “京” contributes to the overall meaning of the stem.
Radical: The radical of “茎” is “艹,” which is commonly associated with plant-related characters.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 茎 (けい, keiki) – stem
- 茎葉 (けいよう, keiyou) – stem and leaves
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この植物の茎はとても太いです。 (This plant’s stem is very thick.)
- 茎葉を使って料理を作ります。 (I will use the stems and leaves to cook.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 枝 (えだ, eda) – branch: While “茎” refers to the main stem of a plant, “枝” refers to the branches that grow from the stem.
- 根 (ね, ne) – root: “根” refers to the part of the plant that anchors it in the soil, contrasting with “茎,” which is above ground.
Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for “茎,” but “根” (root) can be considered an opposite in terms of plant structure.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, plants and their parts, including stems, are often used in traditional arts, such as Ikebana (flower arranging), where the arrangement of stems is crucial for aesthetic balance.
Proverbs and Idioms: There are no specific proverbs that directly mention “茎,” but the importance of plants in Japanese culture often reflects the value of growth and stability, which can be metaphorically linked to the concept of a strong stem.