1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “神” (pronounced “kami” in Japanese) means “god” or “deity.” It represents a divine being or spirit, often associated with nature, ancestors, or specific religious beliefs.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “神” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字), which combines both meaning and sound. The left part, “示” (shimesu), relates to religious or spiritual matters, while the right part, “申” (shin), indicates the pronunciation.
The radical of “神” is “示” (shimesu), which is often associated with altars or offerings, emphasizing its connection to spirituality and worship.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “神” are:
- 神社 (jinja) – shrine
- 神様 (kami-sama) – god, deity
- 神話 (shinwa) – mythology
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼は神社に行って、神様に祈りました。」
(He went to the shrine and prayed to the god.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 聖 (sei) – holy, sacred (refers to something revered or divine but not necessarily a deity)
- 霊 (rei) – spirit, soul (often refers to the spirit of a deceased person)
Antonyms include:
- 悪 (aku) – evil (represents the opposite of divine goodness)
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “神” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where Shintoism, the indigenous spirituality of Japan, venerates numerous gods and spirits. The kanji is often seen in various cultural contexts, such as festivals and rituals.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions include:
- 神の手 (kami no te) – “the hand of God,” referring to divine intervention or help.
- 神様の思し召し (kami-sama no omoshi-mashi) – “the will of God,” indicating acceptance of fate.