1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 強 (kyou) means “strong” or “powerful.” It conveys the idea of strength, both physical and metaphorical, and is often used to describe someone or something that possesses great force or resilience.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 強 is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “strength” (力) with a phonetic component (強) that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of 強 is 力 (chikara), which means “power” or “force.” This radical is commonly associated with strength-related concepts in various kanji.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 強 are:
- 強い (tsuyoi) – strong
- 強化 (kyouka) – strengthening
- 強制 (kyousei) – coercion
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はとても強いです。 (Kare wa totemo tsuyoi desu.) – He is very strong.
- このチームは強化が必要です。 (Kono chiimu wa kyouka ga hitsuyou desu.) – This team needs strengthening.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is 堅 (ken), which means “firm” or “solid.” While both convey strength, 堅 often refers to stability and rigidity, whereas 強 emphasizes power and force.
Opposite Kanji: The antonym of 強 is 弱 (yowai), which means “weak.” This kanji represents a lack of strength or power.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of strength is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with virtues such as resilience and perseverance. The kanji 強 is used in various contexts, from martial arts to personal development.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is 強い者が生き残る (tsuyoi mono ga ikinokoru), which translates to “Only the strong survive.” This reflects the cultural emphasis on strength and endurance in challenging situations.