1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 競 (kyou) means “to compete” or “competition.” It is often used in contexts related to contests, races, and competitive activities.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji 競 is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical 牛 (ushi), which means “cow,” and the character 京 (kyou), which can refer to “capital” or “large.” The combination suggests a competitive context, possibly related to livestock or trade.
The radical 牛 indicates a connection to animals, which historically were often involved in competitions, such as races or strength contests.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include the kanji 競 are:
- 競争 (kyousou) – competition
- 競技 (kyougi) – sports or athletic competition
- 競馬 (keiba) – horse racing
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼は毎年マラソン大会で競争します。」
(Kare wa maitoshi marason taikai de kyousou shimasu.)
Translation: “He competes in the marathon every year.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 争 (arasu) – to dispute or contest, which emphasizes conflict rather than competition.
- 勝 (katsu) – to win, which focuses on the outcome of competition.
Antonyms include:
- 協 (kyou) – to cooperate, which conveys a sense of working together rather than competing.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji 競 is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where competition is often celebrated in various forms, from sports to academic achievements. It reflects the value placed on striving for excellence and improvement.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include this kanji are:
- 競い合う (kisoiau) – to compete with each other, highlighting the spirit of rivalry.
- 競技者 (kyougisha) – competitor, often used in sports contexts.
Overall, the kanji 競 encapsulates the essence of competition in both historical and modern Japanese society.