1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 厳 (gen) means “strict,” “severe,” or “stern.” It conveys a sense of seriousness and rigor, often used to describe rules, attitudes, or environments that are uncompromising or demanding.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 厳 is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “house” (厠) with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for 厳 is 厳 itself, which relates to the concept of strictness and severity.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 厳 are:
- 厳しい (kibishii) – strict
- 厳格 (genkaku) – strictness, rigor
- 厳重 (genjū) – strict, severe (as in security)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は厳しい先生です。
(Kare wa kibishii sensei desu.) – He is a strict teacher. - このルールは厳格に守らなければなりません。
(Kono rūru wa genkaku ni mamoranakereba narimasen.) – This rule must be strictly followed.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 厳重 (genjū), which also means strict but emphasizes security or caution. Another related term is 厳格 (genkaku), which focuses on strictness in rules or behavior.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is 緩い (yurui), meaning “loose” or “lenient,” which conveys a sense of flexibility or lack of strictness.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of 厳 is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, reflecting values such as discipline and respect for rules. It is often associated with traditional practices and ceremonies where strict adherence to protocols is expected.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is 厳しいことは良いこと (Kibishii koto wa yoi koto), which translates to “Strictness is a good thing,” emphasizing the value of discipline in personal development.