1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “艦” (kan) primarily means “warship” or “large ship.” It is often used to refer to naval vessels, particularly those used in military contexts.
2. Origin and Radicals
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “艦” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines the radical for “ship” (舟) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “艦” is 舟 (boat or ship), which indicates its relation to watercraft.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used terms include “艦隊” (kantai – fleet) and “艦長” (kanchou – captain of a ship).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 「新しい艦が就役しました。」(A new warship has been commissioned.)
- 「艦隊が港に戻ってきました。」(The fleet has returned to the port.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “船” (fune), which means “boat” or “ship,” but it refers to smaller vessels compared to “艦.”
Antonyms: An antonym could be “陸” (riku), meaning “land,” as it represents the opposite of a watercraft.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “艦” is significant in Japanese maritime history, especially during the Edo period and World War II, where naval power played a crucial role.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there may not be specific proverbs directly involving “艦,” the importance of naval strength is often reflected in discussions about strategy and defense in Japanese literature.