1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “干” (kanji reading: “kan” or “kan”) primarily means “to dry” or “to interfere.” It can also refer to “to do” or “to carry out” in certain contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “干” is a pictogram that originally depicted a drying rack for fish or clothes. It is classified as a pictographic character because it visually represents the action of drying.
Radical: The radical for “干” is also “干,” which is used in various kanji related to drying or interference.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “干” are:
- 干物 (himono) – dried fish
- 干渉 (kanshō) – interference
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この魚は干物ですか？ (Is this fish dried?)
- 彼は私の仕事に干渉しないでください。 (Please do not interfere with my work.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “湿” (shitsu), which means “wet” or “moist.” The difference lies in their meanings: “干” relates to drying, while “湿” relates to moisture.
Antonyms: An antonym for “干” is “濡” (uru), which means “to wet” or “to soak.” This represents the opposite action of drying.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of drying is significant in Japanese culture, especially in food preservation methods like making dried fish and vegetables.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “干物のような生活” (himono no yō na seikatsu), which translates to “a life like dried fish,” referring to a monotonous or uneventful life.