1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “世” (pronounced “yo” or “se”) primarily means “world” or “generation.” It represents the concept of a period of time or a community of people living together.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “世” is classified as a compound character (会意文字), which combines elements to convey a specific meaning. It is composed of the radical “一” (one) and “世” (to be), symbolizing the idea of a single generation or world.
Radical: The radical for “世” is “世” itself, which is often associated with concepts of time and community.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “世” are “世界” (sekai – world), “世代” (sedai – generation), and “世話” (sewa – care or help).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「私たちは新しい世界を作る必要があります。」(Watashitachi wa atarashii sekai o tsukuru hitsuyou ga arimasu.) – “We need to create a new world.”
- 「彼は私の世代の中で最も影響力のある人物です。」(Kare wa watashi no sedai no naka de mottomo eikyouryoku no aru jinbutsu desu.) – “He is the most influential person in my generation.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “界” (kai), which also means “world” but often refers to a specific realm or domain, such as “社会” (shakai – society).
Antonyms: An antonym for “世” could be “死” (shi – death), as it represents the end of life, contrasting with the idea of living generations or worlds.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “世” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, often reflecting the importance of family and community across generations.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common proverb is “世の中は狭い” (yo no naka wa semai), which means “It’s a small world,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of people.