1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “拝” (hai) means “to worship” or “to pay respect.” It is often used in contexts related to religious practices, greetings, and showing reverence.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “拝” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of “手” (hand) and “白” (white), symbolizing the act of using hands in a respectful gesture, such as bowing or praying.
Radical: The radical of “拝” is “手” (shǒu), which relates to actions performed with the hands.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 拝見 (haiken) – to see (respectfully)
- 拝礼 (hairai) – to bow in respect
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 神社に行って、神様を拝みました。 (I went to the shrine and worshipped the deity.)
- 先生に拝見していただきたいです。 (I would like to respectfully ask the teacher to take a look.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 礼 (rei) – meaning “gratitude” or “salutation,” which also conveys respect but is more general than “拝.”
Opposite Kanji:
- 侮 (bu) – meaning “to despise” or “to scorn,” which is the opposite of showing respect.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “拝” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, particularly in Shinto and Buddhist practices where worship and respect for deities are essential.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 拝む者は救われる (Those who worship will be saved) – emphasizing the importance of faith and respect in spiritual practices.