1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “進” (shin) means “to advance,” “to proceed,” or “to promote.” It conveys the idea of moving forward or making progress in various contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “進” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “movement” with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “進” is “走” (to run), which relates to movement and speed, reinforcing the idea of advancing or progressing.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “進” are:
- 進歩 (しんぽ, shinpo) – progress
- 進行 (しんこう, shinkou) – advance or progress
- 進学 (しんがく, shingaku) – advancement to a higher level of education
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私たちは新しいプロジェクトを進めています。
(We are advancing the new project.) - 彼は進歩が早いです。
(He is making progress quickly.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “発” (hatsu), which means “to emit” or “to start.” While both suggest movement, “進” focuses on the idea of advancing, whereas “発” emphasizes the initiation of action.
Antonyms: A kanji with an opposite meaning is “退” (tai), which means “to retreat” or “to withdraw.” This contrasts with “進,” as it indicates moving backward rather than forward.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “進” is significant in Japanese culture, reflecting the value placed on progress and improvement in various aspects of life, including education and work.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “進むも地獄、退くも地獄” (susumu mo jigoku, shiku mo jigoku), which translates to “Whether you advance or retreat, it’s hell.” This highlights the challenges of making decisions in life, emphasizing that both choices can be difficult.