1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “憬” (pronounced “kei”) conveys a sense of longing or yearning, often associated with a deep desire or aspiration for something that is admired or cherished.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “憬” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to express its meaning. It consists of the radical for “heart” (心) and the character “景” (kei), which means “scenery” or “view.” This combination suggests a heartfelt longing for beautiful or idealized scenes.
Radical: The radical of “憬” is 心 (shin), which relates to emotions and feelings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: “憬” is often found in words like “憬望” (keibou), meaning “aspiration” or “longing.” It can also appear in literary contexts to express deep emotional states.
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation: “彼は成功を憬んでいる。” (Kare wa seikou o kein de iru.) translates to “He yearns for success.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “夢” (yume), which means “dream.” While both express a sense of desire, “憬” focuses more on a longing for something admired, whereas “夢” can refer to aspirations or fantasies.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “無関心” (mukanshin), meaning “indifference.” This term represents a lack of interest or longing, contrasting with the emotional depth of “憬.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “憬” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, often reflecting the aesthetic appreciation of nature and beauty, which is prevalent in traditional arts and literature.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there may not be specific proverbs that use “憬,” the idea of longing is often expressed in various forms of poetry, such as haiku, where the beauty of nature evokes deep emotional responses.