1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “港” (pronounced “minato” in Japanese) means “port” or “harbor.” It refers to a place where ships dock to load and unload goods and passengers. It symbolizes a gateway for trade and travel across water.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “港” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines two elements: the radical “水” (water) on the left, which signifies its connection to water, and “コウ” (kou) on the right, which relates to the concept of a place. The presence of the water radical emphasizes the importance of water in the function of a port.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “港” are:
- 港町 (みなとまち, minato-machi) – port town
- 空港 (くうこう, kuukou) – airport (literally “air port”)
Example sentence in daily conversation:
「私たちは来週、港に行きます。」(Watashitachi wa raishuu, minato ni ikimasu.) – “We will go to the port next week.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 「埠頭」(ふとう, futou) – wharf, which specifically refers to a structure on the shore of a harbor where ships dock.
Antonyms include:
- 「山」(やま, yama) – mountain, representing land as opposed to water.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “港” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, as Japan is an island nation with a rich history of maritime trade. Ports have played a crucial role in the development of cities and trade routes.
Proverbs and idioms related to “港” include:
- 「港は人を育てる」(Minato wa hito o sodateru) – “Ports nurture people,” highlighting the importance of ports in fostering commerce and community.