1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “待” (pronounced “matsu” in Japanese) means “to wait” or “to await.” It conveys the idea of staying in a place until a certain event occurs or until someone arrives.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “待” is a compound character that combines the elements of “心” (heart) and “弟” (younger brother). The heart represents the emotional aspect of waiting, while the younger brother symbolizes the idea of waiting for someone close.
Radical: The radical of “待” is “心” (heart), which is often associated with emotions and feelings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 待つ (matsu) – to wait
- 待機 (taiki) – standby
- 待合室 (machiaishitsu) – waiting room
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 駅で友達を待っています。 (Eki de tomodachi o matteimasu.) – I am waiting for my friend at the station.
- 彼はいつも遅れて待たせる。 (Kare wa itsumo okurete mataseru.) – He always makes me wait by being late.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 期待 (kitai) – to expect; this implies a sense of anticipation rather than just waiting.
- 留まる (tomaru) – to stay; this can mean to remain in a place but does not necessarily imply waiting for someone or something.
Antonyms:
- 急ぐ (isogu) – to hurry; this represents the opposite action of waiting.
- 進む (susumu) – to advance; this indicates moving forward rather than staying in one place.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, waiting is often associated with patience and respect for others’ time. The concept of “waiting” is deeply ingrained in social interactions, such as waiting for someone to finish speaking before responding.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 待てば海路の日和あり (Mateba kairo no hiwari ari) – “If you wait, there will be favorable conditions at sea.” This proverb emphasizes the virtue of patience.