1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 営 (pronounced “ei”) generally means “to conduct,” “to manage,” or “to operate.” It is often associated with business activities or the act of running an organization.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 営 is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “to manage” with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for 営 is 宀 (meaning “roof”), which indicates that the action often takes place within a building or structure.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 営 are:
- 営業 (えいぎょう, eigyō) – business operations
- 運営 (うんえい, un’ei) – management or administration
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私たちは新しいプロジェクトを営んでいます。 (We are managing a new project.)
- この会社は10年間営業しています。 (This company has been in business for ten years.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 運 (うん, un), which means “to carry” or “to transport.” While both involve management, 運 focuses more on the act of moving or transporting something.
Antonyms: An antonym for 営 could be 廃 (はい, hai), which means “to abolish” or “to discontinue,” indicating the cessation of operations.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of 営 is deeply embedded in Japanese business culture, where the management and operation of businesses are highly valued.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is 継続は力なり (けいぞくはちからなり, keizoku wa chikara nari), which means “continuation is strength,” emphasizing the importance of sustained effort in managing and operating a business.