1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “悦” (pronounced “etsu” or “yoshi”) means “joy” or “delight.” It conveys a sense of happiness and satisfaction, often associated with positive emotions and experiences.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “悦” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of joy with phonetic elements to convey its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “悦” is “心” (kokoro), which means “heart.” This radical emphasizes the emotional aspect of joy and happiness.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 悦び (よろこび, yorokobi) – joy, delight
- 悦楽 (えつらく, etsuraku) – pleasure, enjoyment
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は成功を喜びました。 (かれはせいこうをよろこびました。) – He rejoiced at his success.
- この音楽は私に悦びを与えます。 (このおんがくはわたしにえつびをあたえます。) – This music brings me joy.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 喜 (き, ki) – joy, happiness (more general and commonly used)
- 楽し (たのし, tanoshi) – fun, enjoyment (focuses on the experience)
Antonyms:
- 悲 (ひ, hi) – sadness, grief
- 苦 (く, ku) – suffering, pain
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “悦” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where joy and happiness are often celebrated in various forms of art, literature, and festivals.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「喜びは分かち合うことで倍になる」 – “Joy doubles when shared.” This proverb emphasizes the importance of sharing happiness with others.