1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “女” (pronounced “onna”) means “woman” or “female.” It represents the concept of femininity and is commonly used in various contexts related to women.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “女” is a pictogram that originally depicted a woman kneeling, symbolizing femininity. It is classified as a pictographic character (象形文字) because it visually represents its meaning. The radical for this kanji is also “女,” which is used in other kanji related to women or femininity.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “女” are:
- 女性 (josei) – woman, female
- 女の子 (onna no ko) – girl
- 女優 (joyū) – actress
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 彼女はとても優しい女性です。 (Kanojo wa totemo yasashii josei desu.) – She is a very kind woman.
- あの女の子は学校で人気があります。 (Ano onna no ko wa gakkō de ninki ga arimasu.) – That girl is popular at school.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 婦 (fu) – wife, woman (often used in formal contexts)
- 姉 (ane) – older sister (specifically refers to a female sibling)
Antonyms include:
- 男 (otoko) – man, male
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “女” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where traditional roles and representations of women have evolved over time. It appears in various proverbs and idiomatic expressions, such as:
- 女は愛嬌 (Onna wa aikyō) – A woman’s charm is her beauty.
- 女心と秋の空 (Onna gokoro to aki no sora) – A woman’s heart is like the autumn sky (meaning it can be changeable).
This reflects the cultural significance of women in Japan, highlighting both their strengths and complexities.