1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “歳” (pronounced “sai” or “toshi”) primarily means “age” or “year.” It is used to indicate the number of years a person has lived or the age of something.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “歳” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “grain” (禾) at the bottom, which relates to harvest and time, with the phonetic component “さい” (sai) at the top.
Radical: The radical for “歳” is 禾 (rice plant), which is associated with agriculture and the passage of time, reflecting the importance of seasons and years in traditional Japanese culture.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 歳 (sai) – age
- 歳月 (sai-getsu) – years and months
- 年齢 (nenrei) – age (more formal)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は30歳です。 (Kare wa sanjussai desu.) – He is 30 years old.
- 私の息子は今年で5歳になります。 (Watashi no musuko wa kotoshi de go-sai ni narimasu.) – My son will turn 5 years old this year.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 年 (nen) – year; while “歳” refers specifically to age, “年” can refer to any year in a calendar context.
Opposite Kanji:
- 若 (waka) – young; this kanji represents youth, contrasting with “歳,” which indicates age.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of age is significant in Japanese culture, where age often determines social hierarchy and respect. Celebrating milestones, such as the “Shichi-Go-San” festival for children aged 3, 5, and 7, highlights the importance of age in cultural practices.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 歳月人を待たず (sai-getsu hito o matazu) – “Time and tide wait for no man,” emphasizing the fleeting nature of time and the importance of age.