1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 雇 (yato) means “to employ” or “to hire.” It refers to the act of engaging someone to work for you, typically in a formal or professional context.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 雇 is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical 雨 (rain) and the phonetic component 古 (old), suggesting a historical context of employment related to agricultural work.
Radical: The radical of 雇 is 雨, which often relates to weather or atmospheric conditions, hinting at the traditional agricultural jobs that were common in Japan.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 雇 are:
- 雇用 (こよう, koyou) – employment
- 雇い主 (やといぬし, yato inushi) – employer
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は新しい社員を雇いました。 (かれはあたらしいしゃいんをやといました。) – He hired a new employee.
- 雇用の機会が増えています。 (こようのきかいがふえています。) – Employment opportunities are increasing.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 採 (sai), which means “to adopt” or “to take.” While both kanji relate to employment, 採 emphasizes the selection process, whereas 雇 focuses on the act of hiring.
Antonyms: A kanji with an opposite meaning is 解雇 (かいこ, kaiko), which means “to dismiss” or “to fire,” indicating the termination of employment.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of employment has deep roots in Japanese culture, where loyalty and long-term employment have traditionally been valued. The kanji 雇 reflects the importance of work relationships in society.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is 雇われるより雇う方が良い (やとわれるよりやとうほうがよい), which translates to “It is better to hire than to be hired,” emphasizing the value of being an employer rather than an employee.