1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “肯” (kō) generally means “to agree” or “to consent.” It conveys a sense of affirmation or approval in various contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “肯” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of the radical and the phonetic component to convey its meaning.
Radical: The radical for “肯” is “口” (kuchi), which means “mouth.” This suggests communication or expression, aligning with the idea of agreement.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “肯” are “肯定” (kōtei – affirmation) and “肯んじる” (kōnjiru – to agree).
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼はその提案に肯定した。 (Kare wa sono teian ni kōtei shita.) – He agreed to the proposal.
- 私たちはこの計画に肯んじています。 (Watashitachi wa kono keikaku ni kōnjiteimasu.) – We are in agreement with this plan.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “賛” (san), which also means “to agree” but often carries a connotation of support or endorsement.
Opposite Kanji: The opposite kanji is “否” (hi), which means “to deny” or “to refuse,” representing disagreement or rejection.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “肯” is often used in contexts that emphasize consensus and harmony, which are important values in Japanese culture.
Proverbs and Idioms: An example of a related idiom is “肯定的な態度” (kōteiteki na taido), meaning “a positive attitude,” which reflects the importance of agreement and positivity in social interactions.