1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “採” (sai) generally means “to pick,” “to gather,” or “to collect.” It is often used in contexts related to harvesting, selecting, or obtaining something.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “採” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “hand” (手) on the left, indicating action, and the character “采” (sai) on the right, which relates to gathering or picking.
Radical: The radical of “採” is 手 (te), which means “hand.” This radical is commonly associated with actions performed by hand, emphasizing the physical aspect of picking or gathering.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “採” are:
- 採用 (saiyō) – employment, adoption
- 採集 (saishū) – collection, gathering
- 採点 (saiten) – grading, scoring
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この果物を採るのは楽しいです。 (Kono kudamono o toru no wa tanoshii desu.) – Picking this fruit is fun.
- 彼は新しいアイデアを採用しました。 (Kare wa atarashii aidea o saiyō shimashita.) – He adopted a new idea.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “取” (toru), which also means “to take” or “to obtain.” However, “取” is more general and can refer to taking something without the connotation of gathering or picking.
Antonyms: A kanji with an opposite meaning is “捨” (sute), which means “to discard” or “to throw away.” This represents the action of getting rid of something, contrasting with the idea of collecting or gathering.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “採” is often associated with traditional practices such as harvesting crops, which is a significant aspect of Japanese agriculture and culture. It reflects the importance of nature and the seasons in Japanese life.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “採るに足らない” (toru ni taranai), which means “not worth picking” or “insignificant.” This phrase is used to describe something that is not worth the effort to collect or consider.