1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “怨” (pronounced “on”) generally means “grudge” or “resentment.” It conveys a sense of deep-seated anger or bitterness towards someone or something due to perceived wrongs or injustices.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “怨” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “emotion” (忄) and the character “怨” itself, which relates to the concept of feeling or emotion associated with resentment.
Radical: The radical of “怨” is 忄, which is related to feelings and emotions, indicating that the character is connected to emotional states.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “怨” are “怨恨” (onken – grudge) and “怨み” (urami – resentment).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は昔の怨みを忘れられない。 (Kare wa mukashi no urami o wasurerarenai.) – He cannot forget the resentment from the past.
- 怨みを抱くのは良くない。 (Urami o daku no wa yokunai.) – Holding a grudge is not good.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “恨” (uran), which also means “resentment” but often implies a more personal and emotional aspect of holding a grudge.
Antonyms: An antonym for “怨” could be “感謝” (kansha – gratitude), which represents a positive feeling towards someone or something.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “怨” is significant in Japanese culture, often reflected in literature, folklore, and traditional stories where themes of revenge and grudges are prevalent.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “怨みは怨みを生む” (Urami wa urami o umu), which translates to “Resentment breeds resentment,” highlighting the cyclical nature of holding grudges.