1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “賢” (ken) means “wise” or “intelligent.” It is often used to describe someone who possesses good judgment and knowledge.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “賢” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of “money” (賤) and “words” (言), suggesting that wisdom is often associated with thoughtful speech and the value of knowledge.
Radical: The radical for “賢” is “賢” itself, which relates to wealth and value, further emphasizing the importance of wisdom in making valuable decisions.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 賢者 (kenja) – wise person
- 賢い (kashikoi) – wise, clever
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はとても賢い人です。 (Kare wa totemo kashikoi hito desu.) – He is a very wise person.
- 賢者の言葉を聞くことは大切です。 (Kenja no kotoba o kiku koto wa taisetsu desu.) – It is important to listen to the words of the wise.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 知 (chi) – knowledge; emphasizes the possession of information.
- 聡 (sō) – clever; focuses on quick understanding and perception.
Antonyms:
- 愚 (gu) – foolish; represents a lack of wisdom or understanding.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, wisdom is highly valued, and the concept of “賢” is often associated with respected figures such as philosophers and leaders.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 賢者は愚者の過ちを見抜く (Kenja wa guja no ayamachi o minuku) – A wise person sees the mistakes of a fool.