1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “喜” (ki) means “joy” or “happiness.” It represents a feeling of delight or pleasure, often associated with positive experiences and celebrations.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “喜” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “口” (kuchi), which means “mouth,” and the character “喜” itself, which suggests a sense of joy expressed verbally or through celebration.
The radical “口” is often associated with speech or communication, reinforcing the idea that joy is something that can be expressed.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “喜” are:
- 喜び (yorokobi) – joy
- 喜劇 (kigeki) – comedy
- 喜んで (yorokonde) – gladly
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 彼は新しい仕事を得て喜んでいます。 (Kare wa atarashii shigoto o ete yorokondeimasu.) – He is happy to have gotten a new job.
- このニュースを聞いて、みんな喜びました。 (Kono nyūsu o kiite, minna yorokobimashita.) – Everyone was delighted to hear this news.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 楽 (raku) – comfort, ease, or enjoyment (focuses more on the state of being comfortable rather than the emotion of joy)
- 嬉 (ureshi) – happy (often used in a more personal context)
Antonyms include:
- 悲 (hi) – sadness
- 怒 (do) – anger
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “喜” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often associated with celebrations such as weddings and festivals. It embodies the spirit of joy that is central to many cultural practices.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “喜” are:
- 喜びは分かち合うことで増す (Yorokobi wa wakachiau koto de masu) – Joy increases when shared.
- 喜びの中に学びがある (Yorokobi no naka ni manabi ga aru) – There is learning in joy.