1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “寄” (ki) primarily means “to approach,” “to寄せる” (yoseru) means “to bring close,” or “to寄付” (kifu) means “to donate.” It conveys the idea of bringing things together or coming closer to something.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “寄” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. The left part (弓) represents a bow, while the right part (奇) suggests something unusual or extraordinary, symbolizing the act of drawing near to something special.
Radical: The radical for “寄” is 弓 (yumi), which means “bow.” This radical often relates to actions involving movement or drawing closer.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “寄” are:
- 寄付 (きふ, kifu) – donation
- 寄せる (よせる, yoseru) – to bring close
- 寄生 (きせい, kisei) – parasitism
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- このプロジェクトに寄付をしたいです。 (I would like to make a donation to this project.)
- 彼は私に近寄ってきました。 (He approached me.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “近” (kin), which means “near” or “close.” While both convey proximity, “寄” emphasizes the act of coming closer or bringing together, whereas “近” simply indicates closeness.
Antonyms: An antonym for “寄” is “離” (ri), which means “to separate” or “to distance.” This kanji represents the opposite action of moving away from something.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “寄” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in the context of community and support. The act of寄付 (kifu) is highly valued, reflecting the importance of helping others.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “寄らば大樹の陰” (Yoraba taiju no kage), which means “If you approach, do so under the shade of a great tree.” This proverb suggests that one should seek support from strong and reliable sources.