1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “安” (an) primarily means “peace,” “safety,” or “calm.” It conveys a sense of tranquility and security, often associated with a comfortable state of being.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “安” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “roof” (宀) at the top, which suggests a place of shelter, with the phonetic component “女” (woman) at the bottom, indicating a sense of comfort and safety associated with home and family.
Radical: The radical of “安” is 宀 (roof), which is commonly found in kanji related to buildings or shelter.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 安全 (あんぜん, anzen) – safety
- 安定 (あんてい, antei) – stability
- 安価 (あんか, anka) – inexpensive
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この場所はとても安全です。 (This place is very safe.)
- 彼は安定した仕事を持っています。 (He has a stable job.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 静 (しずか, shizuka) – quiet, calm (focuses more on silence and tranquility)
- 平和 (へいわ, heiwa) – peace (broader concept of peace, not just safety)
Antonyms:
- 危険 (きけん, kiken) – danger
- 不安 (ふあん, fuan) – anxiety, unease
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “安” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where safety and peace are highly valued. It reflects the traditional emphasis on harmony in society.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 安物買いの銭失い (あんぶつがいのぜにうしない) – “Buying cheap goods leads to losing money,” which emphasizes the importance of quality over price.