1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “傑” (pronounced “ketsu” in Japanese) means “outstanding” or “excellent.” It is often used to describe someone who is exceptional in their abilities or achievements.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “傑” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), which combines the meaning of its components. The left part, “亻” (the radical for “person”), indicates that it relates to people, while the right part, “杰,” suggests excellence or superiority.
The radical of “傑” is “亻,” which is commonly associated with human-related concepts.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “傑” are:
- 傑作 (ketsusaku) – masterpiece
- 傑出 (ketsuchū) – outstanding
Example sentence in daily conversation:
彼は本当に傑出した才能を持っています。
(He truly has outstanding talent.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 優 (yū) – meaning “superior” or “excellent,” but often implies a gentler or more graceful quality.
- 卓 (taku) – meaning “extraordinary,” which emphasizes uniqueness.
Antonyms include:
- 劣 (retsu) – meaning “inferior” or “substandard.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “傑” has significant ties to Japanese culture, often used in contexts that celebrate exceptional individuals, such as artists, athletes, and scholars.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “傑” highlight the value placed on excellence in Japanese society. For example, “傑出した人は、常に努力を惜しまない” translates to “Outstanding people never spare effort.”