1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “起” (ki) means “to rise,” “to wake up,” or “to occur.” It is often used in contexts related to starting something or coming into being.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “起” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “rise” (走) and a phonetic component (奇) that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “起” is 走 (hashiru), which means “to run” or “to move.” This relates to the idea of rising or getting up.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “起” are:
- 起きる (okiru) – to wake up
- 起こす (okosu) – to wake someone up
- 起動 (kidou) – startup (as in a computer)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 毎朝6時に起きます。 (Maiasa roku-ji ni okimasu.) – I wake up at 6 o’clock every morning.
- 彼は会議を起こしました。 (Kare wa kaigi o okoshimashita.) – He called the meeting to order.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “立” (tatsu), which also means “to stand” or “to rise,” but it emphasizes the act of standing up rather than the broader concept of rising or waking.
Antonyms: An antonym of “起” is “沈” (chin), which means “to sink” or “to submerge,” representing the opposite action of rising.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “起” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in the context of daily routines and the importance of waking up early for productivity.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “起きている間に働け” (Okite iru aida ni hatarake), which translates to “Work while you are awake,” emphasizing the value of being active and productive during the day.