1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “懸” (pronounced “ken” or “kaku”) generally means “to hang” or “to suspend.” It can also imply a sense of concern or anxiety about something.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “懸” is a compound character, which means it is formed by combining different elements. It consists of the “心” (heart) radical, indicating emotions or feelings, and the phonetic component “懸,” which suggests the action of hanging or suspending.
Radical: The radical of “懸” is “心” (heart), which is often associated with emotions and mental states.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “懸” are “懸念” (ken’en – concern) and “懸賞” (kenshō – reward or prize).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はその問題について懸念を抱いている。 (He has concerns about that issue.)
- 懸賞金が出ているので、ぜひ参加してください。 (There is a reward, so please participate.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “掛” (kake), which also means “to hang” but is often used in different contexts, such as “掛ける” (kakeru – to hang or to put on).
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “落” (raku), which means “to fall” or “to drop,” representing a downward motion as opposed to hanging or suspending.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “懸” is often tied to feelings of anxiety or concern, which are significant in Japanese culture, where harmony and social responsibility are valued.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “懸念を抱く” (ken’en o daku), which means “to harbor concerns,” reflecting the cultural tendency to be mindful of others’ feelings and situations.