1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “隠” (in) means “to hide” or “to conceal.” It conveys the idea of keeping something out of sight or not revealing it to others.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “隠” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “阝” (which relates to a hill or mound) and the character “音” (which means sound). Together, they suggest the idea of something hidden behind a hill or mound.
Radical: The radical for “隠” is “阝,” which is often associated with locations or geographical features.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “隠” are:
- 隠れる (かくれる, kakureru) – to hide
- 隠す (かくす, kakusu) – to conceal
- 隠し事 (かくしごと, kakushigoto) – a secret
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はいつも隠れている。 (かれはいつもかくれている。) – He is always hiding.
- その秘密を隠しておいてください。 (そのひみつをかくしておいてください。) – Please keep that secret hidden.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “秘” (ひ, hi), which also means “secret” or “hidden,” but it often implies a deeper level of confidentiality or privacy.
Antonyms: The antonym of “隠” is “露” (ろ, ro), which means “to reveal” or “to expose.” This character conveys the idea of making something visible or known.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of hiding or concealing is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with modesty and the idea of not showing off. This is reflected in various art forms and traditional practices.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “隠れた才能” (かくれたさいのう, kakureta sainou), meaning “hidden talent,” which emphasizes the idea that some abilities may not be immediately visible.