1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “会” (pronounced “kai” or “ai”) primarily means “meeting” or “gathering.” It signifies the act of coming together or assembling for a specific purpose, such as discussions, events, or social interactions.
2. Formation and Radicals
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “会” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It is derived from the idea of gathering or coming together.
Radical: The radical for “会” is “人” (hito), which means “person.” This reflects the social aspect of the kanji, emphasizing human interaction.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “会” are:
- 会議 (かいぎ, kaigi) – meeting, conference
- 会話 (かいわ, kaiwa) – conversation
- 会社 (かいしゃ, kaisha) – company, corporation
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 明日、会議があります。 (あした、かいぎがあります。) – There is a meeting tomorrow.
- 彼と会話をするのが楽しいです。 (かれと かいわを するのが たのしいです。) – It’s fun to have a conversation with him.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “集” (しゅう, shuu), which means “to gather” or “to collect.” However, “集” emphasizes the act of gathering items or people, while “会” focuses more on the social aspect of meetings.
Antonyms: A kanji with an opposite meaning is “離” (り, ri), which means “to separate” or “to leave.” This contrasts with the idea of coming together represented by “会.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “会” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where group harmony and social gatherings are highly valued. Meetings and gatherings are essential for both personal and professional relationships.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “会うは別れの始め” (あうはわかれのはじめ, au wa wakare no hajime), which translates to “Meeting is the beginning of parting.” This reflects the transient nature of relationships and the importance of connections in life.