1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “軍” (gun) means “military” or “army.” It refers to organized armed forces that are responsible for defending a country and conducting warfare.
2. Origin and Radicals
The kanji “軍” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “to walk” (行) and a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation. The radical indicates movement, which is fitting for military forces.
The radical for “軍” is 軍, which itself represents the concept of an army or military organization.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “軍” are:
- 軍隊 (guntai) – army
- 軍事 (gunji) – military affairs
- 軍人 (gunjin) – soldier
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「彼は軍人として働いています。」 (Kare wa gunjin to shite hataraiteimasu.) – “He works as a soldier.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 兵 (hei) – soldier, which refers more specifically to individual members of the military.
- 軍団 (gundan) – legion, which implies a larger organized group within the military.
Antonyms include:
- 平和 (heiwa) – peace, which represents the absence of war and conflict.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “軍” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting the historical significance of the samurai and military governance in Japan. The term is often associated with various proverbs and idioms, such as:
- 軍中無事 (gunchuu buji) – “peace in the military,” which emphasizes the importance of stability and order within armed forces.
Overall, “軍” encapsulates not only the idea of military forces but also the cultural values associated with honor, duty, and protection in Japanese society.