1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “劾” (gai) generally means “to impeach” or “to accuse.” It is often used in legal or political contexts to refer to the act of formally charging someone with misconduct or wrongdoing.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “劾” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “力” (power) and the character “各” (each), suggesting the idea of using power to address each individual’s actions.
Radical: The radical of “劾” is “力,” which relates to strength or power, emphasizing the forceful nature of the action of impeachment.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: The kanji “劾” is often found in legal terms such as “弾劾” (dankai), meaning “impeachment.”
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation: “彼は不正行為で劾かれる可能性がある。” (He may be impeached for misconduct.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “告” (koku), which means “to inform” or “to accuse,” but it does not carry the formal legal implications of “劾.”
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “擁護” (yōgo), meaning “to defend,” which represents the act of supporting or protecting someone rather than accusing them.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of impeachment is significant in Japanese politics, especially in discussions about accountability and governance.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there may not be specific proverbs that directly use “劾,” the idea of holding individuals accountable is a common theme in Japanese discourse, reflecting the cultural value placed on integrity and responsibility.