1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “悔” (kai) means “regret” or “repentance.” It expresses a feeling of sorrow or remorse for something that has happened or a decision that has been made.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “悔” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the “heart” radical (心) which indicates emotions, and the character “回” (kai), which can imply a sense of turning back or reconsideration.
Radical: The radical of “悔” is 心 (shin), which relates to the heart or emotions, emphasizing the emotional aspect of regret.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common phrases that include “悔” are “悔い” (kui – regret) and “悔い改める” (kuiaratameru – to repent).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は自分の選択を悔いている。 (Kare wa jibun no sentaku o kuite iru.) – He is regretting his choice.
- 悔いのない人生を送りたい。 (Kui no nai jinsei o okuritai.) – I want to live a life without regrets.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “後悔” (koukai), which also means “regret” but often implies a deeper sense of remorse for past actions.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “満足” (manzoku), which means “satisfaction” or “contentment,” representing a feeling of fulfillment rather than regret.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, the concept of “悔” is significant as it reflects the importance of self-reflection and personal growth. Regret is often seen as a catalyst for change and improvement.
Proverbs and Idioms: A common saying is “悔いは残さない” (kui wa nokosanai), which means “leave no regrets,” encouraging individuals to make choices they can be proud of.