1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “真” (pronounced “shin” or “ma”) means “truth” or “reality.” It represents the concept of something being genuine, authentic, or real, as opposed to false or deceptive.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “真” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字), which combines both meaning and sound. The left part, “真,” indicates the meaning related to truth, while the right part contributes to the pronunciation.
The radical of “真” is “真” itself, which is often associated with concepts of truth and authenticity.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “真” are:
- 真実 (shinjitsu) – truth
- 真剣 (shinken) – serious
- 真心 (magokoro) – sincerity
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 「彼は真実を話している。」(Kare wa shinjitsu o hanashite iru.) – “He is speaking the truth.”
- 「真剣に考えなければならない。」(Shinken ni kangaenakereba naranai.) – “I must think seriously.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 実 (jitsu) – reality, which emphasizes the actual state of things.
- 誠 (makoto) – sincerity, which focuses on honesty and integrity.
Antonyms include:
- 偽 (gi) – falsehood, which means something that is not true or is deceptive.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “真” has significant ties to Japanese culture, often representing the pursuit of truth and authenticity in various aspects of life. It is frequently used in literature, philosophy, and art.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “真” are:
- 真実はいつも一つ (Shinjitsu wa itsumo hitotsu) – “There is always one truth.”
- 真心を込める (Magokoro o komeru) – “To put one’s heart into something.”