1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “勘” (kan) refers to intuition, instinct, or a gut feeling. It represents the ability to understand or perceive something without the need for conscious reasoning.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “勘” is composed of two parts: the left side is the radical “力” (power), which suggests strength or ability, and the right side is “監” (to oversee or supervise). Together, they convey the idea of having the power to perceive or sense something intuitively.
The radical “力” indicates that the concept of intuition involves a certain strength or capability.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “勘” are:
- 勘違い (kanchigai) – misunderstanding
- 勘が鋭い (kan ga surudoi) – to have sharp intuition
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼は勘が鋭いので、すぐに問題に気づいた。」
(He has sharp intuition, so he quickly noticed the problem.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 直感 (chokkan) – intuition, which emphasizes a direct perception without reasoning.
- 感覚 (kankaku) – sense, which refers to the physical ability to perceive stimuli.
Antonyms include:
- 論理 (ronri) – logic, which emphasizes reasoning and structured thought.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “勘” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where intuition is often valued in decision-making and interpersonal relationships. It reflects a belief in the importance of understanding unspoken feelings and situations.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to “勘” include:
- 「勘を働かせる」 (kan o hatarakaseru) – to use one’s intuition.
- 「勘が外れる」 (kan ga hazureru) – to miss the mark with one’s intuition.