1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “慶” (kei) means “celebration” or “joy.” It is often associated with happiness and auspicious events, such as weddings and festivals.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “慶” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements representing “heart” (心) and “to celebrate” (彳). This reflects the idea of joy coming from the heart during celebrations.
Radical: The radical of “慶” is “心” (heart), which is commonly associated with emotions and feelings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “慶” are:
- 慶事 (けいじ, keiji) – auspicious event
- 慶祝 (けいしゅく, keishuku) – celebration
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼の結婚式は本当に慶びに満ちていました。
(His wedding was truly filled with joy.) - 新年を慶祝するためにパーティーを開きます。
(We will hold a party to celebrate the New Year.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “喜” (ki), which also means “joy” but is more focused on the feeling of happiness rather than the act of celebration.
Antonyms: An antonym of “慶” is “哀” (ai), which means “sorrow” or “grief,” representing the opposite of joy and celebration.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “慶” is often used in the context of traditional Japanese celebrations, such as weddings and New Year festivities, where joy and happiness are emphasized.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common phrase is “慶びを分かち合う” (yorokobi o wakachiau), which means “to share joy,” highlighting the importance of celebrating happy moments with others.