1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “航” (kō) primarily means “to navigate” or “to sail.” It is often associated with travel over water, particularly in the context of ships and navigation.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “航” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for water (氵) with the phonetic component “亘,” which suggests the idea of crossing or traversing.
Radical: The radical of “航” is the water radical (氵), indicating its connection to water-related activities.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “航” are:
- 航海 (こうかい, kōkai) – navigation, sailing
- 航空 (こうくう, kōkū) – aviation
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 船は安全に航海しています。 (The ship is navigating safely.)
- 彼は航空会社で働いています。 (He works for an airline.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “渡” (わたる, wataru), which means “to cross” or “to ferry.” While both involve movement, “航” specifically relates to navigation over water.
Antonyms: An antonym is “陸” (りく, riku), meaning “land.” This contrasts with “航,” which is associated with water travel.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: The concept of navigation is significant in Japanese culture, especially given Japan’s history as an island nation reliant on maritime trade and travel.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “航海無事” (こうかいぶじ, kōkai buji), meaning “safe navigation,” which emphasizes the importance of safety in travel.