1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 退 (tai) generally means “to retreat,” “to withdraw,” or “to resign.” It conveys the idea of stepping back or moving away from a position or situation.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation: The kanji 退 is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical 走 (to run) and the phonetic component 匕 (bi), which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of 退 is 走, which relates to movement or running, emphasizing the action of retreating or withdrawing.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 退 are:
- 退職 (taishoku) – retirement
- 退院 (taiin) – discharge from the hospital
- 退却 (taikyaku) – retreat in a military context
Example Sentences:
- 彼は会社を退職しました。 (Kare wa kaisha o taishoku shimashita.) – He retired from the company.
- 病気が治ったので、来週退院します。 (Byouki ga naotta node, raishuu taiin shimasu.) – I will be discharged from the hospital next week since I recovered from my illness.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms: A similar kanji is 撤 (tetsu), which also means “to withdraw” but is often used in contexts like “withdrawal of troops.”
Antonyms: The opposite kanji is 進 (shin), which means “to advance” or “to proceed,” indicating movement forward rather than retreating.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of 退 is significant in Japanese culture, particularly in the context of humility and the idea of stepping back gracefully in social situations.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is 退いてはならぬ (toitite wa naranu), which means “do not retreat,” often used to encourage perseverance in challenging situations.