1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “刊” (kan) primarily means “to publish” or “to issue.” It is often associated with printed materials such as books, magazines, and newspapers.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “刊” is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “to cut” or “to carve” with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “刊” is “刀” (katana), which means “sword” or “knife,” symbolizing the act of cutting or editing, which is essential in the publishing process.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “刊” are:
- 出版 (shuppan) – publication
- 刊行 (kankou) – issuance
- 月刊 (gekkan) – monthly publication
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この本は来月刊行されます。 (Kono hon wa raigetsu kankou saremasu.) – This book will be published next month.
- 彼は毎月雑誌を刊行しています。 (Kare wa maitsuki zasshi o kankou shiteimasu.) – He publishes a magazine every month.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “発” (hatsu), which means “to emit” or “to issue.” While both kanji relate to the idea of distribution, “刊” specifically refers to the act of publishing.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “廃” (hai), which means “to abolish” or “to discard,” representing the opposite action of publishing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of publishing is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, with a rich history of literature and print media. The invention of woodblock printing in the Edo period significantly advanced the publishing industry.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant idiom is “刊行物は知識の宝庫” (Kankoubutsu wa chishiki no houko), which translates to “Publications are a treasure trove of knowledge,” emphasizing the value of published works in acquiring knowledge.