1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “還” (kan) generally means “to return” or “to go back.” It conveys the idea of something coming back to its original state or place.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “還” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “return” with phonetic elements to convey its sound and meaning.
Radical: The radical for “還” is “辶” (shinnyō), which relates to movement or walking, indicating the action of returning.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “還” are “還元” (kangen – return, reduction) and “還暦” (kanreki – the 60th birthday, symbolizing a return to the starting point of life).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「彼は故郷に還る予定です。」(Kare wa kokyō ni kaeru yotei desu.) – “He plans to return to his hometown.”
- 「このお金は還元されます。」(Kono okane wa kangen saremasu.) – “This money will be returned.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “返” (hen), which also means “to return,” but it is often used in the context of returning something borrowed, while “還” has a broader meaning of returning to a place or state.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “去” (kyo), which means “to leave” or “to go away,” indicating a movement away from a place rather than a return.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “return” is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with the idea of returning to one’s roots or origins, especially during festivals and family gatherings.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “還るべき所に還る” (Kaeru beki tokoro ni kaeru), which means “to return to where one belongs,” emphasizing the importance of returning to one’s origins.