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Japanese (にほん) culture is deeply rooted in its written characters, with kanji (かんじ) known for their complexity and beauty. The character “病” (びょう, byou) is one of the commonly used kanji in everyday life, frequently appearing in words related to health and medicine. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and how the character “病” seamlessly integrates into the daily lives of Japanese people.
Origin of 病 (びょう, byou)
The kanji “病” (びょう, byou) is a character that originated from ancient China, symbolizing a sick person lying in bed. The etymology stems from the depiction of suffering due to illness or feeling unwell, representing human frailty and the fleeting nature of life.
Meaning and Usage of 病 (びょう, byou)
The character “病” (びょう, byou) is used to denote illness or sickness. Broadly, it refers to physical and mental ailments, while narrowly, it signifies specific medical conditions or diseases. It can be used alone as “病” (びょう, byou) or combined with other kanji in words like “病気” (びょうき, byouki), “病状” (びょうじょう, byoujou), and “病床” (びょうしょう, byoushou).
Reading, Stroke Count, and Radical of 病 (びょう, byou)
The kanji “病” (びょう, byou) is widely used in Japan, and its readings and structure are well-known.
- Reading: In on’yomi (おんよみ, on’yomi), it is read as “ビョウ” (びょう, byou), and in kun’yomi (くんよみ, kun’yomi), it is read as “やまい” (やまい, yamai).
- Stroke Count: The character “病” (びょう, byou) has 10 strokes.
- Radical: The radical is “疒” (やまいだれ, yamai-dare), commonly seen in kanji related to illness.
Idioms, Phrases, and Proverbs Involving 病 (びょう, byou)
There are numerous idioms, phrases, and proverbs in Japanese that include the character “病” (びょう, byou). These expressions help convey various aspects of life and emotions.
- 病気 (びょうき, byouki): A state where physical or mental health is impaired.
- 病む (やむ, yamu): To suffer from an illness in body or mind.
- 病床 (びょうしょう, byoushou): The place or period of lying in bed due to illness.
- 重病 (じゅうびょう, juubyou): A very serious illness.
- 病は気から (やまいはきから, yamai wa ki kara): A proverb meaning that the progression or recovery from illness is influenced by one’s mindset.
Conclusion about 病 (びょう, byou)
The kanji “病” (びょう, byou) expresses concepts closely tied to our daily lives. Its significance extends beyond mere medical conditions, deeply influencing people’s psychology and lifestyles. In today’s health-conscious society, the character “病” (びょう, byou) symbolizes the challenges we face daily regarding our well-being.
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