1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “義” (gi) primarily means “righteousness,” “justice,” or “duty.” It embodies the concept of moral integrity and the importance of doing what is right in various contexts, including personal relationships and societal norms.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “義” is a compound character, which means it is formed by combining different elements. It is classified as a 会意文字 (ideogram), where the components convey a combined meaning. The left part “羊” (sheep) symbolizes sacrifice or offering, while the right part “我” (I) represents the self, suggesting a moral obligation to others.
Radical: The radical of “義” is “羊” (sheep), which often relates to themes of sacrifice and morality in Chinese characters.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “義” are:
- 義務 (ぎむ, gimu) – duty
- 正義 (せいぎ, seigi) – justice
- 義理 (ぎり, giri) – obligation or duty to others
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は義務を果たすことが大切だと言った。
(He said that fulfilling one’s duty is important.) - 正義を守るために戦う。
(I will fight to uphold justice.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “正” (sei), which means “correct” or “right.” While both convey a sense of morality, “義” emphasizes duty and righteousness, whereas “正” focuses more on correctness and accuracy.
Antonyms: A kanji that represents the opposite meaning is “悪” (aku), which means “evil” or “bad.” This contrasts with “義” as it denotes immorality or wrongdoing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “義” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, particularly in the context of social relationships and obligations. It reflects the importance of loyalty and duty in both personal and professional spheres.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common proverb is “義理と人情” (giri to ninjō), which translates to “duty and human feelings.” This phrase highlights the balance between moral obligations and emotional connections in human interactions.