1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “保” (ho) means “to protect,” “to preserve,” or “to maintain.” It conveys the idea of safeguarding something valuable or ensuring its continuity.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “保” is a compound character, which means it is formed by combining different elements. It consists of the radical “亻” (person) and the character “保” (to hold), indicating the action of a person holding or protecting something.
Radical: The radical of “保” is “亻,” which is related to human actions and behaviors.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “保” are:
- 保護 (ほご, hogo) – protection
- 保険 (ほけん, hoken) – insurance
- 保存 (ほぞん, hozon) – preservation
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- このデータを保護する必要があります。 (We need to protect this data.)
- 彼は健康保険に加入しています。 (He is enrolled in health insurance.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “守” (mamoru), which also means “to protect,” but it often implies a more active role in guarding or defending something.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym of “保” is “破” (ha), which means “to break” or “to destroy,” indicating the opposite action of preservation.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “保” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where the preservation of traditions, nature, and family values is highly regarded.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “保つべきものは保つ” (Tamotsu beki mono wa tamotsu), which translates to “What should be preserved, must be preserved,” emphasizing the importance of safeguarding valuable aspects of life.