1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “階” (pronounced “kai”) primarily means “floor” or “level.” It is commonly used to refer to different levels in a building, such as the first floor, second floor, and so on. It can also denote stages or ranks in various contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “階” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “stairs” (⻌) and a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “階” is “stairs” (⻌), which relates to the concept of levels or steps.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “階” are:
- 一階 (いっかい, ikkai) – first floor
- 二階 (にかい, nikai) – second floor
- 階段 (かいだん, kaidan) – stairs
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- このビルは五階建てです。 (このビルはごかいだてです。) – This building has five floors.
- 二階に行きましょう。 (にかいにいきましょう。) – Let’s go to the second floor.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “段” (だん, dan), which also refers to levels or steps but is often used in the context of stages or ranks, such as in martial arts.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “底” (てい, tei), which means “bottom” or “base,” indicating the lowest point rather than a level above.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “階” is significant in Japanese architecture, where buildings often have multiple levels, reflecting the importance of space and organization in urban living.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “階段を一歩ずつ上がる” (かいだんをいっぽずつあがる), which means “to climb the stairs one step at a time,” symbolizing the importance of gradual progress in life.