1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “歓” (kan) means “joy” or “delight.” It conveys a sense of happiness and celebration, often associated with positive emotions and festive occasions.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “歓” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “heart” (心) and the character “喚” (kan), which means “to call” or “to shout.” Together, they express the idea of a heart that is calling out in joy.
Radical: The radical of “歓” is 心 (shin), which relates to emotions and feelings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 歓喜 (kanki) – joy, delight
- 歓声 (kansei) – cheers, shouts of joy
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼の成功を聞いて、私は歓喜しました。 (I was filled with joy upon hearing of his success.)
- パーティーで歓声が上がった。 (Cheers erupted at the party.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 喜 (ki) – happiness; while “歓” emphasizes a more exuberant joy, “喜” can refer to a more general sense of happiness.
Antonyms:
- 悲 (hi) – sadness; this kanji represents the opposite of joy and delight.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “歓” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, often associated with celebrations, festivals, and communal gatherings where joy is shared.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 歓喜の声が響く (kanki no koe ga hibiku) – “The voice of joy resonates,” often used to describe a lively and happy atmosphere.