1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “終” (shū) means “end” or “finish.” It signifies the conclusion of something, whether it be an event, a process, or a period of time.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “終” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It is made up of the radical “毛” (hair) at the bottom, which can represent something that is finished or completed, and the character “宗” (religion or sect) at the top, which historically relates to the idea of finality in a spiritual context.
Radical: The radical of “終” is “毛,” which often relates to hair or fur, but in this context, it contributes to the overall meaning of completion.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “終” are:
- 終了 (shūryō) – completion, end
- 終わる (owaru) – to end, to finish
- 終電 (shūden) – last train
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この映画はもうすぐ終わります。 (Kono eiga wa mōsugu owarimasu.) – This movie will end soon.
- 仕事が終わったら、友達と会います。 (Shigoto ga owattara, tomodachi to aimasu.) – After work ends, I will meet my friends.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “完” (kan), which means “complete” or “perfect.” While both “終” and “完” convey a sense of finality, “完” emphasizes the idea of something being fully completed without any remaining parts.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym of “終” is “始” (shi), which means “begin” or “start.” This represents the opposite concept of initiation rather than conclusion.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “end” is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with the completion of seasons, life cycles, and traditional ceremonies. The end of the year, for example, is a time for reflection and closure.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “終わり良ければすべて良し” (Owari yokereba subete yoshi), which translates to “All’s well that ends well.” This emphasizes the importance of a good conclusion, regardless of the challenges faced along the way.