1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “徴” (pronounced “chou” in Japanese) generally means “sign,” “mark,” or “indication.” It is often used to refer to evidence or a symptom of something, such as a sign of illness or a characteristic feature.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “徴” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It is formed from the radical “虫” (insect) and the phonetic component “正,” which together suggest the idea of a sign or indication related to living things.
Radical: The radical of “徴” is “虫,” which often relates to insects or small creatures, hinting at the idea of signs or symptoms that can be observed in nature.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “徴” are:
- 徴候 (ちょうこう, “choukou”) – sign or symptom
- 徴収 (ちょうしゅう, “choushuu”) – collection (of fees or taxes)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この病気の徴候は何ですか？ (このびょうきのちょうこうはなんですか？) – What are the signs of this illness?
- 税金の徴収が始まります。 (ぜいきんのちょうしゅうがはじまります。) – The collection of taxes will begin.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “印” (いん, “in”), which means “mark” or “seal.” While both kanji refer to signs, “徴” often implies a sign of a condition or symptom, whereas “印” refers more to a physical mark or symbol.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “消” (しょう, “shou”), which means “to extinguish” or “to disappear.” While “徴” indicates a sign or presence, “消” suggests the absence or removal of something.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “徴” is significant in Japanese culture, particularly in traditional medicine, where signs and symptoms are closely observed to diagnose illnesses.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “兆しが見える” (きざしがみえる, “kizashi ga mieru”), which means “a sign is visible,” often used to indicate that something is about to happen or change.