1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “遷” (sen) generally means “to change,” “to shift,” or “to move.” It often refers to the act of transitioning from one state or place to another.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “遷” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “movement” (辶) and the character “sen” (遷) which relates to the concept of change.
Radical: The radical of “遷” is 辶, which signifies movement or motion, indicating that the character is related to actions involving change or transition.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “遷” are “遷移” (seni – transition) and “遷都” (sento – relocation of a capital).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私たちは新しい家に遷ることに決めました。 (We decided to move to a new house.)
- 彼は仕事のために遷移しました。 (He transitioned for his job.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “移” (i), which also means “to move” but is often used in contexts of relocation without the implication of change in state.
Antonyms: An antonym of “遷” is “固定” (kotei), which means “to fix” or “to stabilize,” indicating a lack of movement or change.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “遷” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in the context of seasonal changes and the movement of people, such as during festivals or migrations.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “時は移り、世は変わる” (Toki wa utsuri, yo wa kawaru), which translates to “Time changes, and the world changes,” reflecting the inevitability of change in life.