1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “至” (pronounced “shi” or “tōru”) generally means “to arrive” or “to reach.” It conveys the idea of reaching a destination or achieving a certain state.
2. Origin and Radical
Origin of the Kanji: The kanji “至” is classified as a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which means it combines a phonetic component with a semantic component. The character originally depicted a person arriving at a place.
Radical: The radical for “至” is “至” itself, which is often associated with the concept of reaching or arriving.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “至” are:
- 至急 (shikyū) – urgently
- 至福 (shifuku) – supreme happiness
- 至上 (shijō) – supreme or utmost
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この問題は至急解決する必要があります。 (Kono mondai wa shikyū kaiketsu suru hitsuyō ga arimasu.) – This problem needs to be resolved urgently.
- 彼は至福の時を過ごしている。 (Kare wa shifuku no toki o sugoshite iru.) – He is spending a time of supreme happiness.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “到” (tō), which also means “to arrive,” but it emphasizes the act of reaching a destination more than the state of having arrived.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “去” (kyo), which means “to leave” or “to go away,” representing the opposite action of arriving.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “至” is often used in contexts that emphasize the importance of reaching goals or achieving happiness, reflecting cultural values of perseverance and fulfillment.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “至誠にして動かざる者は、未だこれあらざるなり” (Shisei ni shite ugokazaru mono wa, mada kore arazaru nari), which means “Those who are sincere and steadfast will not be moved, and they have not yet arrived at their goal.” This highlights the value of sincerity and determination in achieving one’s aims.