1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “官” (kan) generally means “official” or “government.” It refers to a position of authority or a governmental office, often associated with public service and administration.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “官” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It is made up of the radical “宀” (roof) which suggests a building or structure, and “官” itself, which relates to an official or authority.
Radical: The radical for “官” is “宀,” which indicates that it is related to a place or a building, often associated with governance or authority.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “官” are:
- 官僚 (kanryō) – bureaucrat
- 官公庁 (kankōchō) – government office
- 官職 (kanshoku) – official position
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は政府の官僚です。 (Kare wa seifu no kanryō desu.) – He is a bureaucrat in the government.
- 新しい官公庁が建設中です。 (Atarashii kankōchō ga kensetsu-chū desu.) – A new government office is under construction.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “役” (yaku), which means “role” or “duty.” While “官” refers specifically to an official position, “役” can refer to any role or function, not necessarily in a government context.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “民” (min), which means “people” or “citizen.” While “官” refers to officials or government, “民” emphasizes the general populace.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “官” is deeply rooted in Japanese history, particularly in the context of the feudal system and the establishment of a bureaucratic government. It reflects the importance of governance and public service in Japanese society.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “官民一体” (kanmin ittai), which means “government and citizens as one,” emphasizing the collaboration between the government and the people for societal progress.