1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “会” (pronounced “kai” or “ai”) primarily means “meeting” or “gathering.” It signifies the act of coming together or assembling for a specific purpose, such as discussions, events, or social interactions.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “会” is classified as a compound ideograph (会意文字), which combines elements to convey a specific meaning. It is derived from the combination of the character for “meeting” and the concept of “coming together.”
Radical: The radical for “会” is “人” (meaning “person”), which emphasizes the human aspect of gathering and interaction.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “会” are:
- 会議 (かいぎ, kaigi) – meeting or conference
- 会話 (かいわ, kaiwa) – conversation
- 会社 (かいしゃ, kaisha) – company or corporation
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 明日、会議があります。 (あした、かいぎがあります。) – There is a meeting tomorrow.
- 彼と会話をするのが楽しいです。 (かれと かいわをするのが たのしいです。) – It’s fun to have a conversation with him.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “合” (ごう, gou), which means “to combine” or “to fit together.” While both kanji involve the concept of coming together, “会” specifically refers to gatherings or meetings, whereas “合” emphasizes the act of joining or fitting.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym for “会” could be “離” (はなれる, hanareru), which means “to separate” or “to part,” highlighting the contrast between gathering and dispersing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “会” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where social gatherings and meetings play a significant role in both personal and professional life. Traditional practices often involve communal activities, reflecting the importance of relationships.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “会うは別れの始め” (あうはわかれのはじめ, au wa wakare no hajime), which translates to “Meeting is the beginning of parting,” emphasizing the transient nature of gatherings and relationships.