1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “戻” (modoru) means “to return” or “to go back.” It conveys the idea of moving back to a previous state or location.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “戻” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “止” (to stop) and “木” (tree), suggesting the idea of stopping at a tree or returning to a place.
Radical: The radical of “戻” is “止,” which relates to stopping or halting.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “戻” are:
- 戻る (modoru) – to return
- 戻り (modori) – return
- 戻す (modosu) – to put back
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 家に戻ります。 (Ie ni modorimasu.) – I will return home.
- 本を戻してください。 (Hon o modoshite kudasai.) – Please return the book.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “返” (hen), which also means “to return,” but it often implies returning something to its original owner or place.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “進” (shin), which means “to advance” or “to proceed,” indicating movement forward rather than backward.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of returning is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with the idea of coming back to one’s roots or home.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “戻るべきところに戻る” (modoru beki tokoro ni modoru), which means “to return to where one belongs,” emphasizing the importance of returning to one’s origins.