1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “璽” (pronounced “ji”) refers to a seal or a stamp, particularly one used by emperors or high-ranking officials in Japan. It symbolizes authority and legitimacy, often associated with important documents and ceremonies.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “璽” is a compound character that combines elements of both pictographs and phonetic components. It is classified as a 形声文字 (phonetic-ideographic character), where the left part represents the meaning related to jade (玉) and the right part provides the phonetic sound.
Radical: The radical of “璽” is 玉 (meaning “jade” or “precious stone”), which is often associated with beauty and value in Chinese and Japanese culture.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: The kanji “璽” is often found in words like “国璽” (kokushi – “national seal”) and “大璽” (daiji – “great seal”).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「天皇の国璽は非常に重要です。」(The emperor’s national seal is very important.)
- 「この文書には大璽が必要です。」(This document requires the great seal.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “印” (in – “seal” or “mark”), which is more commonly used for general seals and stamps, while “璽” specifically refers to imperial seals.
Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for “璽,” but one could consider “無印” (muin – “without a seal”) as a contrasting concept, indicating the absence of authority or legitimacy.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “璽” holds significant cultural importance in Japan, as it is closely tied to the imperial family and the legitimacy of the emperor’s rule. The national seal is used in various official capacities, reinforcing the authority of the state.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there are no specific proverbs that directly reference “璽,” the concept of seals and authority is often reflected in sayings about legitimacy and trust in leadership.