1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “到” (pronounced “tō” or “dō”) primarily means “to arrive” or “to reach.” It conveys the idea of reaching a destination or achieving a goal.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “到” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “to arrive” with phonetic elements that suggest its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “到” is “辶” (the walking or movement radical), which relates to movement or travel.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “到” are “到着” (tōchaku – arrival) and “到達” (tōtatsu – reaching).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 私たちは午後3時に目的地に到着します。 (Watashitachi wa gogo san-ji ni mokutekichi ni tōchaku shimasu.) – We will arrive at our destination at 3 PM.
- 彼は目標に到達するために一生懸命働いています。 (Kare wa mokuhyō ni tōtatsu suru tame ni isshōkenmei hataraiteimasu.) – He is working hard to reach his goal.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “着” (chaku), which also means “to arrive” but is often used in contexts related to clothing or getting dressed.
Antonyms: An antonym is “出” (shutsu), which means “to exit” or “to go out,” indicating movement away from a place.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “到” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in the context of travel and pilgrimage, where reaching a sacred site is an important aspect.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “千里の道も一歩から” (Senri no michi mo ippo kara), which means “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” emphasizing the importance of reaching one’s destination step by step.