1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “功” (pronounced “kou”) generally means “achievement,” “merit,” or “success.” It signifies the results of effort and hard work, often in the context of accomplishments in various fields such as academics, sports, or personal endeavors.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “功” is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “achievement” with phonetic elements that suggest its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “功” is “工” (meaning “work” or “craft”), which emphasizes the idea of effort and labor contributing to success.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “功” are:
- 功績 (こうせき, kouseki) – achievement, merit
- 成功 (せいこう, seikou) – success
- 功夫 (くふう, kufuu) – effort, ingenuity
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は大きな功績を残しました。 (かれはおおきなこうせきをのこしました。) – He left behind a significant achievement.
- 成功するためには努力が必要です。 (せいこうするためにはどりょくがひつようです。) – Effort is necessary to achieve success.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “業” (ぎょう, gyou), which means “work” or “business,” but it emphasizes the process rather than the achievement itself.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “失敗” (しっぱい, shippai), which means “failure.” This contrasts with “功” as it represents the lack of success or achievement.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “功” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where hard work and achievement are highly valued. It is often associated with traditional values of diligence and perseverance.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “努力は成功の母” (どりょくはせいこうのはは, doryoku wa seikou no haha), which translates to “Effort is the mother of success,” highlighting the importance of hard work in achieving one’s goals.