1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “警” (kei) means “to warn” or “to alert.” It is often associated with caution and vigilance, indicating the need to be aware of potential dangers or issues.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “警” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “to speak” (言) and the character “警” which relates to “to be cautious” or “to warn.”
Radical: The radical of “警” is 言 (gen), which relates to speech or words, emphasizing the act of warning or alerting through communication.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “警” are:
- 警察 (keisatsu) – police
- 警告 (keikoku) – warning
- 警備 (keibi) – security
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 警察に連絡してください。 (Keisatsu ni renraku shite kudasai.) – Please contact the police.
- この場所は危険なので、警告を出します。 (Kono basho wa kiken na node, keikoku o dashimasu.) – This place is dangerous, so I will issue a warning.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is “注意” (chūi), which means “caution” or “attention.” While both convey a sense of alertness, “警” often implies a more formal warning, whereas “注意” can be used in everyday situations.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym of “警” is “無警戒” (mukeikai), which means “unaware” or “careless,” indicating a lack of caution or alertness.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of warning and caution is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where safety and awareness are highly valued. The kanji “警” reflects this cultural emphasis on being vigilant.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “警戒心を持つ” (keikaishin o motsu), which means “to have a sense of caution.” This phrase highlights the importance of being alert and prepared for potential dangers in life.