1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “仮” (pronounced “ka” or “kari”) means “temporary” or “provisional.” It is often used to describe something that is not permanent or is used as a placeholder.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “仮” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “person” (亻) on the left, indicating a relation to humans, and the phonetic component “家” (ka), which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “仮” is 亻, which is a variant of the radical for “person” (人). This radical is commonly found in kanji related to human actions or characteristics.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “仮” are:
- 仮設 (かせつ, kasetsu) – temporary construction
- 仮面 (かめん, kamen) – mask
- 仮定 (かてい, katei) – assumption
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この仮設の橋は来月まで使われます。 (This temporary bridge will be used until next month.)
- 彼は仮面をかぶってパーティーに行きました。 (He went to the party wearing a mask.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “暫” (ざん, zan), which also means “temporary” but often implies a more transient state. In contrast, “仮” suggests a provisional status that may last longer.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite of “仮” is “恒” (こう, kou), which means “permanent” or “constant.” This kanji indicates something that is stable and unchanging.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “仮” is significant in Japanese culture, where temporary arrangements are often made in various aspects of life, such as in festivals or seasonal events.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “仮の宿” (かりのやど, kari no yado), which means “temporary lodging,” reflecting the transient nature of certain experiences in life.