1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 撃 (geki) primarily means “to strike” or “to attack.” It is often used in contexts related to hitting, shooting, or combat.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 撃 is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “strike” (打) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for 撃 is 打, which relates to actions involving hitting or striking.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 撃 are:
- 撃退 (gekitai) – to repel or drive back
- 撃破 (gekiha) – to defeat or destroy
- 銃撃 (jugeki) – gunfire or shooting
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は敵を撃退した。 (Kare wa teki o gekitai shita.) – He repelled the enemy.
- その映画は激しい銃撃のシーンがある。 (Sono eiga wa hageshii jugeki no shīn ga aru.) – That movie has intense shooting scenes.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 打 (da), which also means “to hit” but is more general and can refer to various types of striking actions.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is 守 (shu), which means “to protect” or “to guard,” indicating a defensive action as opposed to an offensive one.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of 撃 is significant in Japanese martial arts and military history, where striking techniques are essential.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is 撃つ手を緩める (utsu te o yurumeru), which means “to let one’s guard down,” emphasizing the importance of being vigilant and ready to strike when necessary.