1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “慈” (ji) means “compassion” or “mercy.” It embodies the idea of kindness and a deep sense of empathy towards others, often associated with altruistic feelings and actions.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “慈” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字), which combines both meaning and sound. The left part, “心” (heart), indicates the emotional aspect, while the right part, “zi,” contributes to the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “慈” is “心” (heart), which is commonly associated with emotions and feelings in many kanji.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 慈悲 (jihi) – compassion
- 慈愛 (jiai) – loving kindness
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は常に慈悲の心を持っています。 (Kare wa tsuneni jihi no kokoro o motteimasu.) – He always has a heart of compassion.
- 慈愛に満ちた行動が大切です。 (Jiai ni michita koudou ga taisetsu desu.) – Actions filled with loving kindness are important.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 愛 (ai) – love: While “愛” refers to love in a broader sense, “慈” specifically emphasizes compassion and mercy.
- 同情 (doujou) – sympathy: This term conveys a sense of shared feelings but lacks the proactive kindness implied by “慈.”
Antonyms:
- 冷酷 (reikoku) – cruelty: This kanji represents a lack of compassion and kindness, contrasting sharply with “慈.”
- 無情 (mujou) – heartlessness: This term indicates a complete absence of empathy or compassion.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, “慈” is often associated with Buddhist teachings, where compassion is a fundamental virtue. It reflects the importance of empathy in interpersonal relationships.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 慈悲は人の道 (Jihi wa hito no michi) – Compassion is the way of humanity: This proverb emphasizes the significance of compassion in human interactions.