Translation and Meaning of: 深い - fukai

The Japanese word 「深い」 (fukai) is an adjective that means "deep" or "intense." This term is widely used in the Japanese language to describe both physical aspects and feelings and abstract concepts. The application of 「深い」 is versatile, as it can refer to deep waters, intense feelings, vast knowledge, or even the complexity of a situation.

Etimologically, the word 「深い」 is composed of the Kanji 「深」, which means "depth". This Kanji is formed by the radicals 「氵」, which denotes water, and 「罙」, which suggests closeness or diving, capturing the essence of something that deepens or intensifies, often in contexts related to water and immersion. This reflects the broad use of the word, which goes beyond the literal meaning and dives into metaphorical meanings.

The origin of the application of the term dates back to the ancestral use of the Chinese language, from which many Kanjis were adapted and integrated into Japanese. This is especially common in words that describe nature, such as mountains, oceans, and other grand elements, and by extension, also applied to human ideas and feelings. In more abstract contexts, 「深い」 can describe deep introspection, intense love, or even a spiritual connection. This richness of meaning makes 「深い」 a deeply rich word in the Japanese language, offering multiple layers of interpretation.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 深刻 (shinkoku) - Serious, grave; besides being deep, it refers to the seriousness of a situation.
• 深奥 (shin'ō) - Deep, deep in meaning or concept; suggests a complexity or profound understanding.
• 深遠 (shinyen) - Deep, deep in thought or philosophy; implies a depth greater than superficial.
• 深淵 (shin'en) - Deep abyss; often used metaphorically to describe something mysterious or immensely deep.
• 深度 (shindo) - Depth; it can refer to physical measurements of depth or in a figurative context.