1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “感” (kan) primarily means “feeling” or “sensation.” It represents the emotional and sensory experiences that individuals undergo, encompassing both physical sensations and emotional responses.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “感” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of “心” (heart) and “感” (to perceive). This reflects the idea that feelings are deeply connected to the heart and perception.
Radical: The radical of “感” is “心” (kokoro), which means “heart” or “mind.” This radical is often associated with emotions and feelings in various kanji.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “感” are:
- 感情 (kanjō) – emotion
- 感覚 (kankaku) – sensation
- 感謝 (kansha) – gratitude
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はその映画を見て感動した。 (Kare wa sono eiga o mite kandō shita.) – He was moved by the movie.
- この香りには懐かしい感覚がある。 (Kono kaori ni wa natsukashii kankaku ga aru.) – This scent has a nostalgic feeling.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “情” (jō), which also relates to emotions but often emphasizes feelings in a more personal or intimate context.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym of “感” is “無感” (mukan), which means “lack of feeling” or “insensitivity.” This represents a state where emotions or sensations are absent.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of “感” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where emotions and feelings are often expressed subtly. Understanding one’s feelings and the feelings of others is considered important in social interactions.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “感謝の気持ちを忘れない” (kansha no kimochi o wasurenai), which means “never forget the feeling of gratitude.” This highlights the cultural value placed on expressing and acknowledging feelings.