1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “停” (pronounced “tei” in Japanese) means “to stop” or “to halt.” It is commonly used in contexts where something is coming to a standstill or is temporarily paused.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “停” is a compound character, which means it is formed by combining different elements. It consists of the radical “氵” (water) and the character “廷” (court), suggesting a sense of stopping or halting something, often related to water or flow.
Radical: The radical of “停” is “氵,” which is related to water and often appears in kanji associated with liquid or flow.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “停” are:
- 停車 (ていしゃ, teisha) – “stop (of a vehicle)”
- 停止 (ていし, teishi) – “suspension” or “halt”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- バスが停車しました。 (Basuga teisha shimashita.) – “The bus has stopped.”
- この機械は停止しています。 (Kono kikai wa teishi shiteimasu.) – “This machine is halted.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “止” (し, shi), which also means “to stop.” However, “止” is more general and can refer to stopping in various contexts, while “停” is often used in more specific situations, particularly related to vehicles or machinery.
Antonyms: An antonym of “停” is “動” (どう, dou), which means “to move” or “to act.” This represents the opposite action of stopping.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of stopping or halting is significant in Japanese culture, especially in the context of mindfulness and reflection. The idea of taking a pause is often emphasized in various aspects of life.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “止まるが安し” (Tomaru ga yasushi), which translates to “Stopping is safe,” highlighting the importance of caution and taking a moment to assess situations before proceeding.