1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “枯” (kare) means “to wither” or “to dry up.” It is often used to describe plants that have lost their vitality and are no longer alive or thriving.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “枯” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “木” (tree) on the left, which indicates its relation to plants, and the phonetic component “古” (old) on the right, suggesting something that has aged or deteriorated.
The radical “木” is commonly associated with trees and wood-related concepts, reinforcing the idea of something that is plant-based.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “枯” are:
- 枯れ木 (kareki) – dead tree
- 枯れる (kareru) – to wither or to dry up
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「この花は水をあげなかったので枯れてしまった。」
(Kono hana wa mizu o agenakatta node karete shimatta.)
This means: “This flower withered because I didn’t give it water.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 死 (shi) – death, which refers to the end of life but is broader than just withering.
- 枯れる (kareru) – to wither, which is a verb form of “枯.”
Antonyms include:
- 生 (sei) – life, which represents vitality and growth.
- 育つ (sodatsu) – to grow, indicating the process of development and flourishing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “枯” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often symbolizing the transient nature of life, as seen in traditional art and poetry. The beauty of withering plants is celebrated in Japanese aesthetics, particularly in the context of the changing seasons.
Proverbs and idioms related to “枯” include:
- 「枯れ木も山の賑わい」 (Kareki mo yama no nigiwai) – “Even a dead tree adds to the mountain’s liveliness,” which suggests that everything has its value, even in decline.