1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “樹” (pronounced “ju” or “ki”) means “tree” in English. It represents a large, woody plant that typically has a trunk, branches, and leaves. Trees are essential to the environment, providing oxygen, shade, and habitat for various species.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “樹” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements for “tree” (木) and “to establish” (Ju). The radical of this kanji is 木, which signifies “tree” or “wood.” This radical is commonly found in other kanji related to trees and plants.
3. Examples of Usage
Some commonly used words and phrases that include “樹” are:
- 樹木 (じゅもく, jumoku) – trees and shrubs
- 樹脂 (じゅし, jushi) – resin
In everyday conversation, you might say:
「公園にはたくさんの樹があります。」
(There are many trees in the park.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 木 (き, ki) – This means “tree” but is more general and can refer to any tree or wood.
- 林 (はやし, hayashi) – This means “forest” or “grove,” indicating a group of trees.
Antonyms include:
- 石 (いし, ishi) – meaning “stone,” which represents a hard, non-living material.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “樹” is deeply connected to Japanese culture, where trees are often seen as symbols of life, growth, and stability. In traditional Japanese gardens, trees play a crucial role in creating harmony and beauty.
There are also various proverbs and idioms that reference trees, such as:
「木を見て森を見ず」
(“Can’t see the forest for the trees”) – This means to focus too much on the details and miss the bigger picture.