1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “考” (kō) means “to think” or “to consider.” It represents the act of pondering or reflecting on something, often involving deep thought or contemplation.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “考” is composed of two parts: the radical “心” (kokoro), which means “heart” or “mind,” and the character “こう” (kō), which relates to the idea of “to think.” This kanji is classified as a 形声文字 (keisei moji), meaning it is a phonetic compound that combines meaning and sound.
The radical “心” indicates that the action of thinking is closely related to emotions and feelings.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “考” are:
- 考える (kangaeru) – to think
- 考え方 (kangaekata) – way of thinking
- 考慮 (kōryo) – consideration
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 何を考えていますか？ (Nani o kangaeteimasu ka?) – What are you thinking about?
- 彼の考え方は面白いです。 (Kare no kangaekata wa omoshiroi desu.) – His way of thinking is interesting.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 思 (omo) – to think, but often implies a more emotional or instinctive thought process.
- 想 (sō) – to imagine or envision, which suggests a more creative or abstract form of thinking.
Antonyms include:
- 無視 (mushi) – to ignore, which is the opposite of considering or thinking about something.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “考” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where the act of thinking and reflection is highly valued. It is often associated with wisdom and decision-making.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include “考” are:
- 考えるより行動せよ (Kangaeru yori kōdō seyo) – “Act rather than think,” emphasizing the importance of taking action.
- 考えすぎは良くない (Kangaesugi wa yokunai) – “Overthinking is not good,” which warns against excessive rumination.