“液” (えき, eki) permeates every corner of our lives. From a drop of a drink to industrial products, various liquids enrich our daily existence. In this article, we delve into the world of the common Japanese kanji “液”. Let’s unravel the deep story behind this single character, from its etymology to its meaning, usage, and even compound words and idioms.
The Origin of 液 (えき, eki)
The kanji “液” consists of “氵” (さんずい, sanzui), meaning water, and “夜” (や, ya), representing sound. It is said to have been first used in ancient China to refer to liquids or juice-like substances. Some also say that this character was created because of the association with the quiet flow of liquids during the night.
The Meaning and Usage of 液 (えき, eki)
The kanji “液” is generally used as a word referring to substances with fluidity. Scientifically, it refers to a state of matter that is neither solid nor gas, and in daily life, it is often expressed by the word “液体” (えきたい, ekitai, liquid). In terms of usage, it is employed to indicate various liquids and is also utilized as a metaphorical expression.
Reading, Stroke Count, and Radical of 液 (えき, eki)
Let’s look at the details of the common Japanese kanji “液”.
- Reading: The on’yomi reading is “エキ” (eki), and there is no specific kun’yomi reading.
- Stroke Count: 11 strokes in total.
- Radical: The radical is “さんずい” (みず, sanzui, mizu), and it is classified as a kanji related to water.
Compound Words, Idioms, and Proverbs Using 液 (えき, eki) and Their Meanings
Some compound words and idioms containing “液” include:
- 体液 (たいえき, taieki): A general term for fluids present in the body.
- 液体 (えきたい, ekitai): The state of a substance with fluidity, neither solid nor gas.
- 液晶 (えきしょう, ekishou): A substance whose transparency changes due to electrical stimuli, used in displays and other applications.
- 消化液 (しょうかえき, shoukaeki): Fluids secreted for digesting food.
- 点滴 (てんてき, tenteki): Mainly in medical settings, the act of gradually introducing liquids into the body.
Conclusion on 液 (えき, eki)
The kanji “液” represents a concept closely related to our lives. Its applications range from medicine to daily life and even cutting-edge technology. By understanding the meaning behind this single character, we can re-acknowledge the importance of liquids and gain hints for living a richer life.
