1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “喚” (kan) means “to call out” or “to shout.” It conveys the idea of raising one’s voice to attract attention or to express strong feelings.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “喚” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of “口” (kuchi), meaning “mouth,” and “喚” (kan), which relates to calling or shouting. This reflects the action of using one’s mouth to call out.
Radical: The radical of “喚” is “口” (kuchi), which is commonly associated with speech and vocalization.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 喚起 (かんき, kanki) – to evoke or to call forth
- 喚声 (かんせい, kansei) – shout or cry out
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は大声で喚いて、みんなの注意を引いた。
- (He shouted loudly to attract everyone’s attention.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 叫 (きょう, kyou) – to scream or shout, often with a sense of urgency or fear.
- 呼 (こ, ko) – to call, which is more general and can refer to calling someone without the intensity of shouting.
Antonyms:
- 静 (しず, shizu) – quiet or calm, representing the opposite of calling out or making noise.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The act of calling out has significant cultural implications in Japan, often associated with community gatherings, festivals, and traditional performances where vocal expression is key.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「声を大にして言う」(こえをおおにしていう) – “to speak out loud,” which emphasizes the importance of expressing oneself clearly and assertively.