1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “丁” (pronounced “chou” or “tei”) primarily means “nail” or “peg.” It can also refer to the fourth in a sequence, such as in the Chinese zodiac or in counting systems.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “丁” is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character, which means it combines both a phonetic component and an ideographic meaning. It originally depicted a small object, resembling a nail or a stake.
Radical: The radical for “丁” is also “丁,” which is used in various other kanji to convey similar meanings related to small objects or points.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some common words that include “丁” are “丁寧” (teinei – polite) and “丁度” (choudo – just, exactly).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この仕事は丁寧にやるべきです。 (Kono shigoto wa teinei ni yaru beki desu.) – This job should be done carefully.
- 丁度今、彼が来ました。 (Choudo ima, kare ga kimashita.) – He just arrived now.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “点” (ten), which means “point” or “dot.” While both can refer to small objects, “丁” is more about physical items like nails, whereas “点” refers to abstract points or marks.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “大” (dai), meaning “big” or “large,” as “丁” often refers to small, precise items.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, “丁” is often associated with precision and care, reflecting the importance of attention to detail in various crafts and practices.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common idiom is “丁寧な心” (teinei na kokoro), which means “a heart of care,” emphasizing the value of being considerate and meticulous in one’s actions.