1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “参” (san) primarily means “to participate,” “to join,” or “to visit.” It is often used in contexts related to attendance or involvement in activities.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “参” is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “to go” or “to come” with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “参” is “人” (hito), which means “person.” This reflects the kanji’s association with human actions, such as participating or joining.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “参” are:
- 参加 (sanka) – participation
- 参拝 (sanpai) – visiting a shrine
- 参照 (sanshō) – reference
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 会議に参加しますか？ (Kaigi ni sanka shimasu ka?) – Will you participate in the meeting?
- お寺に参拝しました。 (Otera ni sanpai shimashita.) – I visited the temple.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “出” (shutsu), which means “to exit” or “to go out.” While “参” emphasizes joining or participating, “出” focuses on the action of leaving or going out.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym for “参” could be “退” (tai), which means “to retreat” or “to withdraw,” indicating the opposite action of participating or joining.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “参” is often associated with traditional practices, such as visiting shrines during festivals or ceremonies, highlighting its cultural significance in Japan.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “三人寄れば文殊の知恵” (Sannin yoreba Monju no chie), which translates to “When three people gather, they have the wisdom of Monju,” emphasizing the value of collaboration and participation.