1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “充” (pronounced “juu” or “mitsu”) generally means “to fill,” “to satisfy,” or “to complete.” It conveys the idea of making something full or providing enough of something.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “充” is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of filling or satisfying with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “充” is “亻” (the person radical), which often relates to actions involving people.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “充” are:
- 充実 (じゅうじつ, juujitsu) – fulfillment, substantiality
- 充電 (じゅうでん, juuden) – charging (e.g., a battery)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- このプロジェクトは充実しています。 (This project is fulfilling.)
- スマートフォンの充電が必要です。 (I need to charge my smartphone.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “満” (まん, man), which also means “full” but often emphasizes a state of being filled to capacity rather than the act of filling.
Antonyms: An antonym for “充” is “不足” (ふそく, fusoku), which means “insufficient” or “lack,” indicating a state of not being filled or satisfied.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “充” is significant in Japanese culture, where fulfillment and satisfaction are often sought in various aspects of life, including work and personal relationships.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “充実した生活” (じゅうじつしたせいかつ, juujitsu shita seikatsu), which means “a fulfilling life,” emphasizing the importance of feeling complete and satisfied in one’s life.