1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 看 (kan) primarily means “to see” or “to look at.” It conveys the idea of observing or watching something attentively.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji 看 is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of “to see” (目) and “to look after” (監). The radical of this kanji is 目 (eye), which relates to vision and sight.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include 看 are:
- 看護 (kango) – nursing
- 看板 (kanban) – signboard
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 映画を見るのが好きです。 (Eiga o kanru no ga suki desu.) – I like to watch movies.
- 彼は私を見ている。 (Kare wa watashi o kante iru.) – He is looking at me.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 視 (shi) – to see, to view (more focused on the act of seeing)
- 観 (kan) – to observe, to view (often used in a more formal context)
Antonyms include:
- 見えない (mienai) – cannot see
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji 看 is closely related to Japanese culture, particularly in the context of professions like nursing and caregiving, where observation and attention are crucial.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include 看 are:
- 看る (miru) – to look after, often used in the context of caring for someone.