1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “脂” (pronounced “abura” in Japanese) means “fat” or “grease.” It refers to the oily substance found in food and can also denote the concept of richness or excess in various contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “脂” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “meat” (肉) on the left, indicating its relation to fatty substances, and the phonetic component “zhi” (知) on the right, which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “脂” is 肉 (niku), which relates to meat and fatty substances.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 脂肪 (しぼう, shibou) – fat
- 脂っこい (あぶらっこい, aburakkoi) – greasy
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この料理は脂っこいですね。 (Kono ryouri wa aburakkoi desu ne.) – This dish is greasy, isn’t it?
- 健康のために脂肪を減らす必要があります。 (Kenkou no tame ni shibou o herasu hitsuyou ga arimasu.) – We need to reduce fat for our health.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 油 (あぶら, abura) – oil; while both “脂” and “油” refer to oily substances, “油” typically refers to cooking oil, whereas “脂” emphasizes the fatty content in food.
Antonyms:
- 水 (みず, mizu) – water; representing the opposite of fat in terms of consistency and composition.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese cuisine, the balance of fat is crucial for flavor and texture. Dishes like ramen or tonkatsu often highlight the use of “脂” to enhance taste.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 脂がのる (あぶらがのる, abura ga noru) – to be in one’s prime; this phrase uses “脂” to signify richness or fullness in life or skill.