1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “祉” (shi) generally means “welfare” or “well-being.” It is often associated with the idea of happiness and good fortune, particularly in the context of social welfare and support for individuals in need.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “祉” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “spirit” or “sacred” (示) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “祉” is 示 (shimesu), which relates to religious or spiritual matters, often indicating something that is sacred or divine.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: “福祉” (fukushi) meaning “welfare,” and “社会福祉” (shakai fukushi) meaning “social welfare.”
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation: “私たちは地域の福祉活動に参加しています。” (Watashitachi wa chiiki no fukushi katsudou ni sanka shiteimasu.) – “We are participating in local welfare activities.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: “幸” (sachi) meaning “happiness” or “good fortune.” While both “祉” and “幸” relate to positive states, “祉” focuses more on welfare and support, whereas “幸” emphasizes personal happiness.
Antonym: “不幸” (fukou) meaning “unhappiness” or “misfortune,” which represents the opposite of well-being and welfare.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “祉” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, reflecting the society’s emphasis on community support and welfare for the less fortunate.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant saying is “人の幸せは自分の幸せ” (Hito no shiawase wa jibun no shiawase), which translates to “The happiness of others is my happiness,” highlighting the cultural value placed on collective well-being.