1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “婚” (kon) primarily means “marriage” or “wedding.” It represents the union of two individuals in a formal relationship, often celebrated with ceremonies and rituals.
2. Formation and Radicals
The kanji “婚” is a compound character, formed by combining two elements: the radical “女” (woman) and the character “婚” (to marry). The radical “女” signifies femininity, while the character itself conveys the concept of marriage.
The radical “女” is commonly associated with female-related meanings, which is fitting as marriage traditionally involves a woman.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “婚” are:
- 婚約 (konyaku) – engagement
- 結婚 (kekkon) – marriage
- 婚礼 (konrei) – wedding ceremony
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 彼は来月結婚します。 (Kare wa raigetsu kekkon shimasu.) – He is getting married next month.
- 私たちは婚約しました。 (Watashitachi wa konyaku shimashita.) – We got engaged.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 結 (ketsu) – to tie or bind, often used in the context of forming relationships.
- 合 (ai) – to meet or join, which can also relate to relationships but is broader in scope.
Antonyms include:
- 離婚 (rikon) – divorce, which signifies the dissolution of a marriage.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji “婚” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where marriage is often seen as a significant life milestone. Traditional wedding ceremonies, known as “shinzen shiki,” incorporate various rituals that reflect cultural values.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions related to marriage include:
- 「婚活」(konkatsu) – a term that refers to activities aimed at finding a marriage partner.
- 「結婚は人生の墓場」(Kekkon wa jinsei no hakaba) – a saying that humorously suggests marriage can be a burden.