1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “達” (pronounced “tatsu” or “datsu”) generally means “to reach,” “to achieve,” or “to arrive at.” It conveys the idea of attaining a goal or destination.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “達” is a compound character, which means it is formed by combining different elements. It is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字), where the left part indicates the meaning and the right part provides the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “達” is “辶” (the “walking” radical), which relates to movement or travel, reinforcing the idea of reaching or arriving.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “達” are:
- 達成 (たっせい, tassei) – achievement
- 友達 (ともだち, tomodachi) – friend
- 到達 (とうたつ, toutatsu) – arrival
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 目標を達成するために頑張ります。 (I will work hard to achieve my goals.)
- 彼は友達と一緒に遊びに行きました。 (He went out to play with his friends.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “到” (とう, tou), which also means “to arrive.” However, “到” emphasizes the act of arriving at a specific point, while “達” focuses more on the achievement aspect.
Antonyms: A kanji with an opposite meaning is “未” (み, mi), which means “not yet” or “unachieved.” This contrasts with “達,” which signifies completion or achievement.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “達” is significant in Japanese culture, where achieving goals and forming friendships are highly valued. The word “友達” (friend) reflects the importance of social connections.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “達成感” (たっせいかん, tasseikan), which means “a sense of achievement.” This phrase highlights the emotional satisfaction that comes from reaching one’s goals.