1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “期” (ki) generally means “period,” “term,” or “time.” It is used to denote a specific duration or phase in various contexts, such as academic terms, deadlines, or timeframes in general.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “期” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “月” (meaning “moon” or “flesh”) and the character “木” (meaning “tree”). Together, they symbolize the passage of time, as the moon and trees change with the seasons.
Radical: The radical of “期” is “月,” which is often associated with time and the body in various kanji.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “期” are:
- 学期 (がっき, gaki) – school term
- 期限 (きげん, kigen) – deadline
- 時期 (じき, jiki) – season or time period
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 今学期は難しい科目が多いです。(This term has many difficult subjects.)
- このプロジェクトの期限は来週です。(The deadline for this project is next week.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “時” (じ, ji), which means “time.” While “期” refers to a specific period, “時” is more general and can refer to time in a broader sense.
Antonyms: An antonym of “期” could be “不定期” (ふていき, futeiki), meaning “irregular” or “not periodic,” indicating a lack of a set time frame.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “期” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in education and business, where terms and deadlines are crucial for organization and planning.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common expression is “時期尚早” (じきしょうそう, jiki shousou), which means “it’s too early” or “premature,” emphasizing the importance of timing in decision-making.