1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “去” (pronounced “kyo” or “suru”) primarily means “to go away” or “to leave.” It conveys the idea of departing from a place or situation.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “去” is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of leaving with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “去” is “去” itself, which is used to indicate actions related to departure or movement away.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 去る (saru) – to leave
- 去年来 (kyounen) – last year
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は学校を去った。 (Kare wa gakkou o satta.) – He left the school.
- 去年は忙しかった。 (Kyonen wa isogashikatta.) – Last year was busy.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 出 (shutsu) – to exit or go out, which emphasizes the action of leaving a place.
- 離 (ri) – to separate, which focuses more on the aspect of distancing rather than just leaving.
Antonyms:
- 来 (rai) – to come, which is the opposite of going away.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “去” is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with the changing of seasons and the passage of time, as seen in traditional festivals.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 去る者は日々に疎し (Saru mono wa hibi ni usoshi) – “Those who leave become distant with time,” reflecting the idea that absence can lead to emotional distance.