1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “姿” (pronounced “sugata”) means “figure,” “form,” or “appearance.” It often refers to the physical shape or silhouette of a person or object, as well as the overall impression one gives.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “姿” is a combination of two components. The left part, “身” (meaning “body”), represents the physical aspect, while the right part, “寺” (meaning “temple”), adds a cultural context. This kanji is classified as a compound character (会意文字), as it combines meanings to convey a new concept.
Radical: The radical for “姿” is “身,” which relates to the body or physical form.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “姿” are:
- 姿勢 (shisei) – posture
- 姿見 (sugatami) – full-length mirror
- 美しい姿 (utsukushii sugata) – beautiful figure
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼女は美しい姿をしています。 (Kanojo wa utsukushii sugata o shiteimasu.) – She has a beautiful figure.
- この姿勢は健康に良いです。 (Kono shisei wa kenkou ni yoi desu.) – This posture is good for your health.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “形” (katachi), which means “shape” or “form.” While “姿” emphasizes the overall appearance and impression, “形” focuses more on the physical shape itself.
Antonyms: An antonym for “姿” could be “無姿” (musugata), meaning “without form” or “formless,” which conveys the absence of a defined appearance.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “姿” is significant in Japanese culture, where appearance and form are often associated with beauty and aesthetics. Traditional arts, such as tea ceremonies and flower arrangements, emphasize the importance of form and presentation.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “姿勢を正す” (shisei o tadasu), which means “to correct one’s posture” and metaphorically refers to improving one’s attitude or behavior.