1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “軌” (ki) primarily means “track” or “railway.” It refers to the path or route that vehicles, especially trains, follow. It can also imply a course of action or a way of doing things.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “軌” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “vehicle” (車) on the left, indicating its relation to transportation, with the phonetic component “奇” (ki) on the right, which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “軌” is 車 (kuruma), which means “car” or “vehicle.” This radical is commonly found in kanji related to transportation.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “軌” are:
- 軌道 (きどう, kidou) – “track” or “orbit”
- 軌跡 (きせき, kiseki) – “trajectory” or “trace”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この電車は新しい軌道を走っています。
(This train runs on a new track.) - 彼の成功は、彼の努力の軌跡を示しています。
(His success shows the trajectory of his efforts.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “路” (ro), which means “road” or “path.” While “軌” specifically refers to tracks for vehicles, “路” can refer to any kind of road or path.
Antonyms: An antonym for “軌” could be “逸” (itsu), which means “to deviate” or “to stray,” indicating a departure from a set path or track.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “軌” is significant in Japanese culture, especially with the extensive railway system that connects various regions of the country. Trains are a vital part of daily life in Japan.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant idiom is “軌道に乗る” (kidou ni noru), which means “to get on track” or “to be on the right path,” often used to describe a situation that is progressing well or is on the right course.