1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “賜” (shi) means “to grant” or “to bestow.” It is often used in formal contexts, particularly when referring to gifts or favors given by someone of higher status to someone of lower status.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “賜” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “money” or “wealth” (貝) with the phonetic component “si” (司), which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “賜” is 貝, which is associated with valuables or money.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common phrases that include “賜” are “賜物” (shimono – a bestowed gift) and “賜福” (shifuku – to grant blessings).
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation: “彼は私に素晴らしい本を賜りました。” (Kare wa watashi ni subarashii hon o tamarimashita – He bestowed upon me a wonderful book.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “贈” (zō), which also means “to give” or “to present,” but it is more commonly used in everyday contexts and does not carry the same formal connotation as “賜.”
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “奪” (datsu), which means “to take away” or “to seize,” representing the opposite action of giving.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “賜” is often used in formal ceremonies and documents, reflecting the hierarchical nature of Japanese society where gifts from superiors are highly valued.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “賜り物” (tamawari mono), which refers to a gift that is received with gratitude, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and appreciating what is bestowed upon us.