1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “均” (kin) means “even,” “equal,” or “balanced.” It conveys the idea of uniformity and fairness in various contexts, such as distribution or measurement.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “均” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “even” or “flat” (土) and the character for “to divide” (分), symbolizing the concept of equal division.
Radical: The radical of “均” is 土 (tsuchi), which means “earth” or “ground.” This radical often relates to concepts of stability and foundation.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “均” are “均等” (kintou – equality), “均一” (kin’itsu – uniformity), and “均衡” (kinkou – balance).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この製品は均等に分配されます。 (Kono seihin wa kintou ni bunpai saremasu.) – This product will be distributed evenly.
- 彼は均一な結果を求めています。 (Kare wa kin’itsu na kekka o motomeています.) – He is seeking uniform results.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “等” (tou), which also means “equal” but can imply a sense of rank or class, whereas “均” focuses more on the aspect of evenness.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite kanji is “不均” (fukin), which means “uneven” or “unequal,” highlighting a lack of balance or uniformity.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of balance and equality is significant in Japanese culture, often reflected in social interactions and traditional practices.
Proverbs and Idioms: An example of a related proverb is “均等に分ける” (kintou ni wakeru), which means “to divide equally,” emphasizing fairness in sharing resources.