1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “頒” (han) generally means “to distribute” or “to share.” It is often used in contexts where something is being handed out or allocated to others.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “頒” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “head” (頭) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “頒” is “頭” (head), which relates to the concept of authority or leadership, often associated with the act of distributing or sharing.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common phrases that include “頒” are “頒布” (hanpu – distribution) and “頒賞” (hanshou – award distribution).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この本は学校で頒布されます。 (This book will be distributed at school.)
- 彼は賞を頒賞する役割を担っています。 (He is responsible for distributing the awards.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “配” (hai), which also means “to distribute,” but it often implies a more general sense of allocation rather than the formal distribution suggested by “頒.”
Antonyms: An antonym for “頒” could be “独占” (dokusen), which means “to monopolize” or “to hold exclusively,” indicating the opposite of sharing or distributing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of distribution is significant in Japanese culture, especially in communal activities and festivals where resources are shared among participants.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “分け合うことで幸せが増す” (Wakeau koto de shiawase ga masu), which means “Happiness increases by sharing,” reflecting the cultural value placed on sharing and distribution.