1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “懇” (kon) generally means “sincere,” “cordial,” or “kind.” It conveys a sense of warmth and earnestness in communication or relationships.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “懇” is a compound character (会意文字) that combines the elements of “心” (heart) and “恭” (respectful). This combination emphasizes the idea of a respectful heart or sincere feelings.
Radical: The radical of “懇” is “心” (heart), which is often associated with emotions and feelings in various kanji.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 懇親会 (こんしんかい, konshinkai) – a social gathering or networking event.
- 懇願 (こんがん, kongan) – a sincere request or plea.
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は懇親会で多くの人と話しました。 (かれはこんしんかいでおおくのひととはなしました。) – He talked to many people at the networking event.
- 彼女は懇願して、助けを求めました。 (かのじょはこんがんして、たすけをもとめました。) – She sincerely pleaded for help.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 親切 (しんせつ, shinsetsu) – kind; while both “懇” and “親切” convey kindness, “懇” emphasizes sincerity and warmth.
- 誠実 (せいじつ, seijitsu) – honest; this focuses more on honesty rather than the warmth of the relationship.
Antonyms:
- 冷淡 (れいたん, reitan) – cold; this term describes a lack of warmth or kindness.
- 無関心 (むかんしん, mukanshin) – indifferent; indicating a lack of interest or concern.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “懇” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where sincerity and respect are highly valued in interpersonal relationships. It reflects the importance of building strong, heartfelt connections.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 懇切丁寧 (こんせつていねい, konsetsuteinei) – meaning “kind and courteous,” often used to describe someone who is very attentive and considerate.