1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “逮” (tai) generally means “to catch” or “to seize.” It is often used in contexts related to apprehending someone or something, particularly in legal or law enforcement situations.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “逮” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “辶” (which relates to movement) and the character “弟” (which means younger brother). This combination suggests the idea of pursuing or catching someone.
Radical: The radical of “逮” is “辶,” which is associated with movement or walking, indicating the action of pursuing or chasing.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “逮” are “逮捕” (taiho), meaning “arrest,” and “逮捕状” (taihojou), meaning “arrest warrant.”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 警察は犯人を逮捕しました。 (Keisatsu wa han’nin o taiho shimashita.) – The police arrested the criminal.
- 彼は逃げようとしたが、すぐに逮捕された。 (Kare wa nigeyou to shita ga, sugu ni taiho sareta.) – He tried to escape but was quickly caught.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “捕” (ho), which also means “to catch” but is more commonly used in contexts of capturing animals or objects rather than people.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “逃” (tou), which means “to escape” or “to flee,” representing the action of getting away from capture.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “逮” is significant in Japanese culture, particularly in the context of law and order. The act of apprehending criminals is a common theme in literature and media.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant idiom is “逮捕される” (taiho sareru), which means “to be arrested,” often used in discussions about justice and accountability.