1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “親” (pronounced “oya”) means “parent” or “to be close to.” It represents the concept of familial relationships and care, emphasizing the bond between parents and their children.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “親” is a combination of two components: the radical “父” (father) and “青” (blue or green), which together convey the idea of a parent being nurturing and protective. This kanji is classified as a compound character (会意文字), as it combines meanings from different elements.
Radical: The radical of “親” is “父,” which signifies fatherhood and parental roles.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “親” are:
- 親子 (oyako) – parent and child
- 親友 (shinyuu) – close friend
- 親切 (shinsetsu) – kindness
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私の親はとても優しいです。 (Watashi no oya wa totemo yasashii desu.) – My parents are very kind.
- 親子で旅行に行きました。 (Oyako de ryokou ni ikimashita.) – I went on a trip with my parent and child.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “母” (haha), which means “mother.” While “親” refers to parents in general, “母” specifically denotes the mother figure.
Antonyms: An antonym for “親” could be “敵” (teki), meaning “enemy,” as it represents a relationship that is the opposite of familial love and care.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, the concept of “親” is deeply rooted in the values of family and respect for elders. The family unit is considered the foundation of society.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common proverb is “親の心子知らず” (Oya no kokoro ko shirazu), which translates to “A child does not understand a parent’s heart,” highlighting the often unrecognized sacrifices parents make for their children.