1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “子” (pronounced “ko” or “shi”) primarily means “child” or “offspring.” It is often used to refer to young people or to denote a smaller version of something.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “子” is a pictogram that originally depicted a child or a small figure. It belongs to the category of ideograms, which represent ideas or concepts visually. The radical for “子” is also “子,” which is used in various other kanji related to children or small entities.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “子” are:
- 子供 (kodomo) – child
- 女子 (joshi) – girl
- 男子 (danshi) – boy
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 彼は子供が好きです。 (Kare wa kodomo ga suki desu.) – He likes children.
- 彼女は女子サッカーの選手です。 (Kanojo wa joshi sakkā no senshu desu.) – She is a girl soccer player.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 幼 (yō) – meaning “infant” or “young,” which emphasizes a younger age than “子.”
Antonyms include:
- 大人 (otona) – meaning “adult,” which represents the opposite of “子.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “子” has significant ties to Japanese culture, often symbolizing innocence and the future. It appears in various proverbs and idiomatic expressions, such as:
- 子はかすがい (Ko wa kasugai) – “Children are the bond,” emphasizing the importance of children in family unity.
Overall, “子” reflects the value placed on children and youth in Japanese society.