1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “専” (sen) means “specialized” or “exclusive.” It conveys the idea of focusing on a particular area or being dedicated to a specific task or subject.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “専” is a compound character that combines the elements of “牛” (ushi, meaning “cow”) and “宣” (sen, meaning “to declare”). The cow represents the idea of something being dedicated or devoted, while the declaration aspect emphasizes the focus on a specific area.
Radical: The radical of “専” is “牛,” which is often associated with livestock and can imply hard work or dedication.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “専” are:
- 専門 (senmon) – “specialty” or “field of expertise”
- 専念 (sennen) – “dedication” or “devotion”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は専門の分野で働いています。
(Kare wa senmon no bun’ya de hataraiteimasu.)
“He works in his field of expertise.” - 私はこのプロジェクトに専念しています。
(Watashi wa kono purojekuto ni sennen shiteimasu.)
“I am dedicated to this project.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “特” (toku), which means “special” but emphasizes uniqueness rather than dedication. While “専” focuses on exclusivity in a specific area, “特” highlights distinctiveness.
Antonyms: An antonym for “専” is “一般” (ippan), meaning “general” or “common,” which indicates a lack of specialization or focus.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of specialization is highly valued in Japanese culture, particularly in professions and crafts. Mastery in a specific field is often seen as a mark of respect and dedication.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “専心専念” (senshin sennen), which means “to concentrate one’s mind and efforts,” emphasizing the importance of dedication and focus in achieving success.