1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “信” (shin) primarily means “trust,” “faith,” or “belief.” It conveys the idea of having confidence in someone or something, and it is often associated with concepts of reliability and integrity.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “信” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字), which means it combines both meaning and sound. The left part, “亻” (the radical for person), indicates that the character relates to human actions or relationships. The right part, “言,” represents “speech” or “words,” suggesting that trust is often communicated through language.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “信” are:
- 信頼 (shinrai) – trust, reliance
- 信念 (shinnen) – belief, conviction
- 信号 (shingou) – signal
In everyday conversation, you might say:
「彼を信じています。」(Kare o shinjiteimasu.) – “I trust him.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 信用 (shinyou) – credit, trustworthiness (more focused on financial or transactional trust)
- 信仰 (shinkou) – faith, especially in a religious context
Antonyms include:
- 疑 (gi) – doubt, suspicion
- 不信 (fushin) – distrust, disbelief
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “信” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where trust and faith play significant roles in interpersonal relationships and social harmony. It is often reflected in proverbs and idioms, such as:
- 信じる者は救われる (Shinjiru mono wa sukuwareru) – “Those who believe will be saved.”
This highlights the importance of faith in overcoming challenges and fostering community bonds.