Japanese is known for its rich expressive power, thanks to the numerous 漢字 it employs. Among these, “膨” (ぼう) stands out as an intriguing character used in various aspects of our daily lives. In this article, we delve into the origins, meanings, and usages of “膨” to uncover its charm as a commonly used kanji in Japan.
The Origin of 膨
The kanji “膨” (ぼう) is composed of the radical for “meat” and the character “彭” (ほう), which is a phonetic component representing expansion. “彭” was originally a place name in ancient China and also a phonetic symbol for spreading. This combination gives “膨” its original meaning of physical swelling. Over time, it has evolved to include metaphorical meanings, not just physical expansion.
Meanings and Usages of 膨
“膨” (ぼう) is used to describe things that grow larger, as seen in words like “膨らむ” (ふくramu, to swell), “膨大” (ぼうだい, enormous), and “膨張” (ぼうちょう, expansion). It can describe the swelling of a body part, the rising of emotions, or the increase of something. It is worth noting that “膨らむ” is an intransitive verb, while “膨れる” (ふくreru) is often used as a transitive verb.
Readings, Stroke Count, and Radical of 膨
As a commonly used kanji in Japan, understanding the readings and structure of “膨” (ぼう) is essential.
- Readings: The on’yomi (音読み, Chinese reading) is “ボウ” (ぼう), and the kun’yomi (訓読み, Japanese reading) includes “ふく(らむ)” (ふくramu) and “ふく(れる)” (ふくreru).
- Stroke Count: “膨” has a total of 16 strokes.
- Radical: The radical is “肉” (にく), also known as “にくづき” (にくづき).
Compounds, Idioms, and Proverbs Using 膨
Compounds and idioms containing “膨” (ぼう) reflect its rich meanings. For example, “膨大な” (ぼうだいな) means “enormous,” “膨張する” (ぼうちょうする) means “to expand,” and “膨れっ面” (ふくれっつら) describes a sulking face. In proverbs, “膨れっ面をする” (ふくれっつらをする) depicts the act of showing dissatisfaction on one’s face.
Conclusion on 膨
The kanji “膨” (ぼう) encompasses a wide range of meanings from physical swelling to psychological growth. In the Japanese language, it appears in numerous compounds and idioms, showcasing the depth of the language. We hope this article deepens your understanding of “膨” and proves useful in your daily life.
