1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “煮” (pronounced “ni”) means “to boil” or “to cook” in water or broth. It is commonly used in the context of preparing food by heating it in liquid until it is cooked through.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “煮” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the radical for “fire” (火) and the character for “to serve” (者). This combination reflects the process of cooking food with heat.
Radical: The radical of “煮” is 火 (fire), which indicates its relation to cooking and heat.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 煮物 (nimono) – boiled dish
- 煮る (niru) – to boil or to cook
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 今日は野菜を煮ます。 (Today, I will boil the vegetables.)
- このスープは煮込むともっと美味しくなります。 (This soup becomes tastier when simmered.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 焼 (yaki) – to grill or to bake. While “煮” involves cooking in liquid, “焼” refers to cooking with dry heat.
Antonyms:
- 生 (nama) – raw. This kanji represents food that is not cooked, contrasting with “煮”.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The practice of boiling food is deeply rooted in Japanese cuisine, where dishes like “煮物” are staples. These dishes often highlight seasonal ingredients and are a key part of traditional meals.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “煮ても焼いても食えない” (nitemo yaite mo kuenai), which means “no matter how you cook it, it won’t be edible,” often used to describe a situation that cannot be improved.