1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “伴” (ban) means “companion” or “to accompany.” It conveys the idea of being together with someone or something, often in a supportive or accompanying role.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “伴” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “人” (person) and the phonetic component “半” (half), suggesting the idea of a person accompanying another.
Radical: The radical of “伴” is “人” (hito), which relates to people and human actions.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “伴” are:
- 伴侶 (banryo) – partner, spouse
- 伴奏 (bansou) – accompaniment (in music)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は私の良い伴です。 (Kare wa watashi no yoi ban desu.) – He is a good companion of mine.
- 音楽の伴奏が必要です。 (Ongaku no bansou ga hitsuyou desu.) – We need accompaniment for the music.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “友” (yuu), which means “friend.” While both refer to companionship, “伴” emphasizes the act of accompanying, whereas “友” focuses more on friendship.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “孤独” (kodoku), meaning “loneliness,” which conveys the absence of companionship.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of companionship is significant in Japanese culture, where relationships and social harmony are highly valued. The kanji “伴” reflects this cultural importance.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “友達は宝” (Tomodachi wa takara), meaning “Friends are treasures,” which highlights the value of companionship in life.