1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “潔” (ketsu) means “clean,” “pure,” or “noble.” It conveys a sense of cleanliness, both in a physical and moral sense, often associated with integrity and righteousness.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “潔” is composed of two parts: the radical “水” (water) on the left, which signifies purity, and the character “潔” itself, which can be interpreted as a phonetic component. This kanji is classified as a phono-semantic compound, where the meaning is derived from both its components.
The radical “水” indicates a connection to cleanliness and purity, reinforcing the overall meaning of the kanji.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “潔” are:
- 潔癖症 (kekkakushou) – obsessive cleanliness
- 潔い (izukoshii) – to be noble or honorable
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼は潔い人です。」(Kare wa izukoshii hito desu.) – “He is a noble person.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 清 (sei) – meaning “clear” or “pure,” often used in contexts of cleanliness.
- 純 (jun) – meaning “pure” or “innocent,” but often refers to moral purity.
Antonyms include:
- 汚 (o) – meaning “dirty” or “polluted.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “潔” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where purity and cleanliness are highly valued. It is often associated with traditional practices such as Shinto rituals, which emphasize purification.
Proverbs and idioms that reflect this value include:
- 潔く死ぬ (izukoku shinu) – “to die nobly,” which reflects the idea of maintaining honor even in death.