1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “禁” (kin) means “prohibition” or “forbidden.” It signifies something that is not allowed or is restricted, often used in contexts related to rules, laws, or regulations.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “禁” is a compound character, which combines elements of both meaning and sound. It is classified as a compound ideograph (会意文字), where the left part “示” (to show) relates to a divine or sacred aspect, and the right part “金” (gold) can imply something valuable that is being restricted.
Radical: The radical of “禁” is “示” (shimesu), which often relates to showing or indicating something, particularly in a religious or formal context.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “禁” are:
- 禁煙 (kin’en) – No smoking
- 禁じられた (kinjirareta) – Forbidden
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- ここは禁煙です。 (Koko wa kin’en desu.) – This is a no smoking area.
- その行為は禁じられています。 (Sono kōi wa kinjirareteimasu.) – That action is prohibited.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “制” (sei), which means “control” or “regulation.” While both imply restriction, “禁” specifically denotes prohibition, whereas “制” can refer to broader control measures.
Opposite Kanji: The antonym of “禁” is “許” (kyo), which means “permit” or “allow.” This represents the idea of granting permission, contrasting with the notion of prohibition.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of prohibition is significant in Japanese culture, often reflected in social norms and regulations. For example, many traditional practices emphasize restraint and respect for rules.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “禁を破る” (kin o yaburu), which means “to break a prohibition.” This highlights the consequences of disregarding rules and the importance of adhering to societal expectations.