1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “即” (soku) generally means “immediate,” “instant,” or “to be in accordance with.” It conveys a sense of promptness or directness in action or response.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “即” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “to be” (represented by the left part) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “即” is “口” (kuchi), which means “mouth.” This radical often relates to speech or communication.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “即” are:
- 即座 (sokuzai) – “immediate” or “on the spot”
- 即効 (sokkō) – “instant effect”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この問題は即座に解決する必要があります。
(Kono mondai wa sokuzai ni kaiketsu suru hitsuyō ga arimasu.)
“This issue needs to be resolved immediately.” - 彼の即効性のある提案はとても役立ちました。
(Kare no sokkō-sei no aru teian wa totemo yakudachimashita.)
“His instant proposal was very helpful.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “速” (soku), which means “fast” or “quick.” While both convey a sense of speed, “即” emphasizes immediacy or directness, whereas “速” focuses more on the speed of action.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym for “即” is “遅” (chi), which means “slow” or “late.” This contrasts with the promptness implied by “即.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of immediacy is significant in Japanese culture, reflecting values such as efficiency and responsiveness in communication and action.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant idiom is “即断即決” (sokudan sokketsu), which means “to make a quick decision.” This phrase highlights the importance of decisiveness in various aspects of life.