1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “館” (kan) generally means “building” or “establishment.” It is often used to refer to large structures such as museums, theaters, or hotels.
2. Origin and Radicals
The kanji “館” is a compound character, which means it is formed by combining different elements. It consists of the radical “宀” (roof) and the character “官” (official), suggesting a building related to official or public functions.
The radical “宀” indicates that the character is related to a structure or building, while “官” adds the meaning of authority or administration.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words that include “館” are:
- 図書館 (としょかん, toshokan) – library
- 美術館 (びじゅつかん, bijutsukan) – art museum
- 映画館 (えいがかん, eigakan) – movie theater
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「今週末に美術館に行く予定です。」 (I plan to go to the art museum this weekend.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 館 (kan) – building or establishment
- 庁 (ちょう, chō) – office or agency (often used for government buildings)
Antonyms include:
- 空 (くう, kū) – empty or void, indicating the absence of a building.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “館” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often associated with places of learning, art, and public gatherings. It reflects the importance of community spaces in Japanese society.
Proverbs and idioms related to “館” include:
- 「家に館を持つ」 (Having a building at home) – This phrase emphasizes the significance of having a dedicated space for specific activities.