1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “交” (kō) primarily means “to intersect,” “to exchange,” or “to mix.” It conveys the idea of interaction or connection between different entities.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “交” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It is formed by the combination of the character for “to cross” (十) and the character for “to meet” (口), symbolizing the idea of crossing paths or exchanging.
Radical: The radical for “交” is “交” itself, which is often associated with concepts of interaction and exchange.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “交” are:
- 交差点 (こうさてん, kōsaten) – intersection
- 交流 (こうりゅう, kōryū) – exchange or interaction
- 交友 (こうゆう, kōyū) – friendship or companionship
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この交差点で右に曲がってください。 (Kono kōsaten de migi ni magatte kudasai.) – Please turn right at this intersection.
- 私たちは文化交流を大切にしています。 (Watashitachi wa bunka kōryū o taisetsu ni shiteimasu.) – We value cultural exchange.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “接” (setsu), which means “to connect” or “to join.” While both kanji involve interaction, “交” emphasizes the idea of crossing or mixing, whereas “接” focuses more on direct connection.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym for “交” could be “分” (bun), which means “to divide” or “to separate,” highlighting the contrast between interaction and separation.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “交” is significant in Japanese culture, particularly in the context of social interactions and relationships. It reflects the importance of community and connection in Japanese society.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “交わりは人の道” (Majiwari wa hito no michi), which means “Interaction is the way of humanity,” emphasizing the value of relationships and exchanges in life.