1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “肯” (pronounced “kō” in Japanese) generally means “to agree” or “to consent.” It conveys a sense of affirmation or approval in various contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “肯” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “mouth” (口) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “肯” is 口, which relates to speech or verbal communication, emphasizing the act of agreeing or consenting through words.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “肯” are 肯定 (kōtei – affirmation) and 肯か (kōka – to agree).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はその提案に肯定的でした。 (Kare wa sono teian ni kōteki deshita.) – He was affirmative about the proposal.
- 私たちはその意見に肯かない。 (Watashitachi wa sono iken ni kōkanai.) – We do not agree with that opinion.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 同意 (dōi), which also means “agreement,” but it emphasizes mutual consent rather than just affirmation.
Opposite Kanji: The antonym of “肯” is 否 (hi), which means “to deny” or “to refuse,” representing a lack of agreement or consent.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of agreement is significant in Japanese culture, where harmony and consensus are highly valued in social interactions.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “賛否両論” (sanpi ryōron), which means “both approval and disapproval,” highlighting the importance of differing opinions in discussions.