1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “恭” (kyou) means “respectful” or “reverent.” It conveys a sense of politeness and honor towards others, often used in contexts that require humility and deference.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “恭” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “heart” (心) with the phonetic component “夭,” which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “恭” is 心 (shin), which relates to emotions and feelings, emphasizing the emotional aspect of respect.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 恭敬 (kyoukei) – respect, reverence
- 恭順 (kyoushun) – obedience, submission
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は常に恭しい態度で人と接します。 (Kare wa tsuneni kyoushii taido de hito to sesshimasu.) – He always interacts with others in a respectful manner.
- 恭敬の念を持って、彼の意見を聞きました。 (Kyoukei no nen o motte, kare no iken o kikimashita.) – With a sense of reverence, I listened to his opinion.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 敬 (kei) – respect; while both “恭” and “敬” convey respect, “敬” is more general and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
Antonyms:
- 侮 (bu) – contempt; this kanji represents the opposite of respect, indicating disdain or scorn.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “恭” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where respect and humility are highly valued in social interactions. It reflects the importance of maintaining harmony and showing deference to others.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「恭しくして、礼を尽くす」 (Kyoushiku shite, rei o tsukusu) – “Be respectful and fulfill your duties.” This saying emphasizes the importance of respect in fulfilling one’s responsibilities.