1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “確” (kaku) means “to confirm,” “to make sure,” or “to establish.” It conveys a sense of certainty and reliability in various contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “確” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines the meaning of its components to convey a specific idea. The left part, “石” (ishi), means “stone,” while the right part, “確” (kaku), relates to the sound and reinforces the meaning of stability and firmness.
Radical: The radical of “確” is “石” (ishi), which is often associated with solidity and permanence.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “確” are 確認 (kakunin – confirmation), 確実 (kakujitsu – certainty), and 確立 (kakuritsu – establishment).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この情報は確かですか？ (Is this information certain?)
- 彼の計画は確実に成功するでしょう。 (His plan will surely succeed.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “定” (tei), which means “to decide” or “to fix.” While both convey a sense of certainty, “確” emphasizes confirmation, whereas “定” focuses on establishing a decision.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “不確” (fukaku), meaning “uncertain” or “insecure,” which directly contrasts with the meaning of “確.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of certainty is significant in Japanese culture, where trust and reliability are highly valued in relationships and business.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “確実に成功する” (kakujitsu ni seikou suru), which means “to succeed with certainty,” reflecting the importance of assurance in achieving goals.