1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 責 (seki) means “responsibility” or “blame.” It conveys the idea of being accountable for one’s actions or duties.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji 責 is composed of two parts: the radical 言 (gen), which relates to speech or words, and the character 石 (ishi), meaning “stone.” This combination suggests the weight of words or the burden of responsibility.
The kanji is classified as a 形声文字 (keisei moji), which means it is a phonetic compound that combines meaning and sound.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include 責 are:
- 責任 (sekinin) – responsibility
- 責める (semeru) – to blame
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 彼はプロジェクトの責任を持っています。
(Kare wa purojekuto no sekinin o motteimasu.)
(He is responsible for the project.) - 彼女を責めるのはやめましょう。
(Kanojo o semeru no wa yamemashou.)
(Let’s stop blaming her.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 任 (nin) – duty or assignment, which emphasizes the task rather than the accountability.
Antonyms include:
- 自由 (jiyuu) – freedom, which implies a lack of responsibility or constraints.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of 責 is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where responsibility and accountability are highly valued in both personal and professional contexts.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to 責 include:
- 責任を持つ (sekinin o motsu) – to take responsibility.
- 責めるは自分を責める (semeru wa jibun o semeru) – to blame others is to blame oneself, highlighting the interconnectedness of actions and consequences.