1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “唆” (sasa) generally means to incite, to instigate, or to lure someone into doing something. It often carries a connotation of persuasion that may not be entirely positive.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “唆” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which means it combines both a phonetic and a semantic component. The left part “口” (kuchi) represents the mouth, indicating speech or communication, while the right part “娑” (sha) contributes to the sound and meaning related to enticing or luring.
Radical: The radical of “唆” is “口” (kuchi), which is commonly associated with words related to speaking or verbal communication.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “唆” are:
- 唆う (sasau) – to incite or to instigate
- 唆し (sasashi) – temptation or enticement
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は友達を唆して、悪いことをさせた。
(He incited his friend to do something bad.) - その話は彼女を唆すには十分だった。
(That story was enough to tempt her.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “誘” (yuu), which also means to invite or to lure, but it generally has a more neutral or positive connotation compared to “唆.”
Antonyms: An antonym for “唆” could be “阻止” (soshi), which means to prevent or to stop someone from doing something.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “唆” can be seen in various aspects of Japanese culture, particularly in literature and folklore where characters may incite others to act, often leading to moral lessons.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “唆い言葉に注意せよ” (sasai kotoba ni chuuise yo), which translates to “Beware of enticing words,” highlighting the caution one should take against manipulation or persuasion.