1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “与” (yo) primarily means “to give” or “to provide.” It is often used in contexts involving sharing or contributing something to someone else.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “与” is classified as a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which means it combines a phonetic component with a semantic component. The left part of the character suggests its meaning related to giving, while the right part provides a clue to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “与” is “与” itself, which is also its standalone form. This radical is associated with the concept of giving or sharing.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “与” are:
- 与える (ataeru) – to give, to provide
- 与党 (yotou) – ruling party
- 与えられる (ataeraru) – to be given
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は私に本を与えました。 (Kare wa watashi ni hon o ataemashita.) – He gave me a book.
- このプロジェクトは多くの人に与える影響があります。 (Kono purojekuto wa ooku no hito ni ataeru eikyou ga arimasu.) – This project has a significant impact on many people.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “授” (ju), which means “to grant” or “to confer.” The difference lies in the context; “与” is more about giving in a general sense, while “授” often implies a formal or official granting.
Antonyms: A kanji with an opposite meaning is “奪” (datsu), which means “to take away” or “to seize.” This represents the action of removing something from someone, contrasting with the act of giving.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of giving is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where sharing and generosity are highly valued. The kanji “与” reflects this cultural significance.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “与えられたものを大切にする” (ataerareta mono o taisetsu ni suru), which means “to cherish what is given.” This emphasizes the importance of valuing gifts and contributions from others.