1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “応” (ou) generally means “to respond” or “to answer.” It conveys the idea of reacting to something or fulfilling a request.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “応” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “to speak” (言) and a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “応” is 言 (gen), which relates to speech or language.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “応” are:
- 応答 (おうとう, outou) – response
- 対応 (たいおう, taiou) – correspondence or dealing with
- 応援 (おうえん, ouen) – support or cheering
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は私の質問に応答しました。 (かれはわたしのしつもんにおうとうしました。) – He responded to my question.
- この問題に対して、適切に対応してください。 (このもんだいにたいして、てきせつにたいおうしてください。) – Please respond appropriately to this issue.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “返” (へん, hen), which means “to return” or “to reply.” While both involve a response, “応” emphasizes the act of responding, whereas “返” focuses on returning something.
Antonyms: An antonym of “応” could be “無視” (むし, mushi), which means “to ignore.” This represents the opposite action of responding.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “応” is significant in Japanese culture, where responding appropriately is valued in social interactions.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “応報” (おうほう, ouhou), which means “to receive a response or reward for one’s actions,” reflecting the cultural belief in reciprocity.