1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “延” (en) generally means “to extend” or “to prolong.” It conveys the idea of lengthening time or space, and is often used in contexts related to duration or expansion.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “延” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of extending with phonetic elements that suggest its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “延” is “延” itself, which is also the complete character. This radical emphasizes the concept of extension.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “延” are:
- 延長 (えんちょう, enchou) – extension
- 延びる (のびる, nobiru) – to extend or to stretch
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 会議の時間を延長しましょう。 (かいぎのじかんをえんちょうしましょう。) – Let’s extend the meeting time.
- この道は延びています。 (このみちはのびています。) – This road is extending.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “拡” (kaku), which means “to expand.” However, “拡” often implies a broader or more significant increase in size or scope compared to “延,” which focuses more on time or length.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym for “延” is “縮” (shuku), which means “to shorten” or “to contract.” This represents the opposite action of reducing length or duration.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of extension is significant in various aspects of Japanese culture, such as in the context of time management and the importance of punctuality. Extending deadlines or time can be seen as a way to show consideration for others.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “時間を延ばす” (じかんをのばす, jikan o nobasu), which means “to extend time,” often used in discussions about deadlines or project timelines.