1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “積” (pronounced “saku” or “tsumu”) primarily means “to accumulate” or “to pile up.” It conveys the idea of gathering or stacking things together, whether physically or metaphorically.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “積” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “石” (stone) and the phonetic component “積” (which suggests the idea of piling or stacking).
Radical: The radical of “積” is “石,” which relates to stones or rocks, emphasizing the concept of accumulation or piling up of solid objects.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “積” are:
- 積み重ねる (つみかさねる, tsumikasaneru) – to stack or pile up
- 積極的 (せっきょくてき, sekkyokuteki) – proactive or positive
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「本を積み重ねておく。」(I will stack the books.)
- 「彼は積極的に意見を述べた。」(He expressed his opinions proactively.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “蓄” (ちく, chiku), which also means “to accumulate,” but it often refers to storing or saving resources, like money or energy.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite of “積” is “減” (げん, gen), which means “to decrease” or “to reduce,” indicating the action of taking away or lessening something.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of accumulation is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with diligence and perseverance. The idea of “積み重ね” (tsumikasane) reflects the value placed on building knowledge and skills over time.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “千里の道も一歩から” (Senri no michi mo ippo kara), which translates to “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” emphasizing the importance of gradual accumulation in achieving great things.