1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “皆” (pronounced “mina” or “kai”) means “everyone” or “all.” It is used to refer to a group of people collectively, emphasizing inclusivity.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “皆” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It is made up of the radical “人” (person) and the phonetic component “皆,” which together suggest the idea of all people.
The radical “人” indicates that the character is related to people or humanity.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “皆” are:
- 皆さん (minasan) – everyone, all of you
- 皆で (minade) – together as everyone
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 皆さん、こんにちは！ (Minasan, konnichiwa!) – Hello everyone!
- 皆で行きましょう！ (Minade ikimashou!) – Let’s go together, everyone!
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 全員 (zen’in) – all members, everyone (more formal)
- みんな (minna) – everyone (informal)
Antonyms include:
- 一人 (hitori) – one person
- 孤独 (kodoku) – loneliness, solitude
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “皆” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of community and togetherness. It is often used in social contexts to foster a sense of belonging.
Proverbs and idioms that include “皆” are:
- 皆の力を合わせる (mina no chikara o awaseru) – to combine everyone’s strength.
- 皆が幸せになる (mina ga shiawase ni naru) – for everyone to become happy.