1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “捗” (haku) means “to progress” or “to advance.” It is often used to describe the smooth and efficient progress of work or tasks.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “捗” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of “手” (hand) and “北” (north). The hand symbolizes action or effort, while “北” suggests direction, indicating progress in a specific direction.
Radical: The radical of “捗” is “手” (shou), which relates to actions performed by hand.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 捗々しい (はかばかしい, hakabahakashi) – smooth progress
- 捗進 (はかしん, hakashin) – advancement
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- プロジェクトは順調に捗っています。 (The project is progressing smoothly.)
- 彼の仕事はいつも捗々しいです。 (His work is always efficient.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 進 (しん, shin) – to advance; while both “捗” and “進” imply progress, “進” is more general and can refer to moving forward in various contexts.
- 発展 (はってん, hatten) – development; this term emphasizes growth or expansion rather than just progress.
Antonyms:
- 停滞 (ていたい, teitai) – stagnation; this term indicates a lack of progress or movement.
- 後退 (こうたい, koutai) – retreat; this refers to moving backward or regressing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of progress is highly valued in Japanese culture, especially in the context of work and personal development. The kanji “捗” reflects this cultural emphasis on efficiency and continuous improvement.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 捗々しい仕事 (hakabahakashi shigoto) – refers to work that is progressing well, often used to praise someone’s efforts.
- 一歩一歩捗る (ippo ippo hakaru) – means to make progress step by step, emphasizing the importance of gradual improvement.