1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “倹” (ken) means “frugality” or “thriftiness.” It represents the idea of being economical and avoiding waste, particularly in terms of money and resources.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “倹” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “亻” (person) and the character “倹,” which relates to the concept of saving or being careful with resources.
Radical: The radical for “倹” is “亻,” which indicates that the character is related to human actions or behaviors.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “倹” are “倹約” (kenyaku), meaning “economy” or “thrift,” and “倹しい” (keshii), meaning “frugal” or “thrifty.”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私たちは倹約を心がけています。 (Watashitachi wa kenyaku o kokorogaketeimasu.) – We are trying to be economical.
- 彼は倹しい生活を送っています。 (Kare wa keshii seikatsu o okutteimasu.) – He leads a frugal life.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “節” (setsu), which also conveys the idea of moderation or saving, but it can refer more broadly to節約 (setsuyaku), meaning “saving” or “conserving.”
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “浪費” (rouhi), which means “waste” or “extravagance,” indicating the opposite of frugality.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, frugality is often valued, especially in the context of family and community. The concept of “倹” aligns with traditional values of saving and resourcefulness.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “倹約は富の母” (kenyaku wa tomi no haha), which translates to “Frugality is the mother of wealth,” emphasizing the importance of saving in achieving financial stability.