1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “抗” (kō) means “to resist” or “to oppose.” It conveys the idea of standing against something, whether it be an idea, force, or authority.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “抗” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “扌” (hand) on the left, which suggests action, and “昂” (to rise) on the right, indicating a strong upward movement or resistance.
The radical “扌” is commonly associated with actions performed by the hand, reinforcing the idea of actively resisting or opposing.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “抗” are:
- 抗議 (こうぎ, kōgi) – protest
- 抗体 (こうたい, kōtai) – antibody
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼は不正に抗議するためにデモに参加した。」
(He participated in the demonstration to protest against the injustice.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 反 (はん, han) – to oppose, which emphasizes a counteraction.
- 抵 (てい, tei) – to resist, which often implies a physical or metaphorical barrier.
Antonyms include:
- 賛 (さん, san) – to agree or support, indicating a positive alignment with something.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “抗” has significance in Japanese culture, particularly in contexts of social justice and activism. It is often used in discussions about standing up against oppression or injustice.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that relate to “抗” include:
- 「抗う者は勝つ」 (Aragau mono wa katsu) – “Those who resist will win,” emphasizing the value of standing up for one’s beliefs.