1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 拶 (satsu) generally means “to greet” or “to salute.” It conveys the idea of approaching someone with respect and acknowledgment.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 拶 is a compound character (会意文字) that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical for “hand” (扌) and the character “to approach” (薩), indicating an action performed with the hand, such as greeting.
Radical: The radical of 拶 is 扌, which relates to actions performed by the hand.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: The kanji 拶 is often found in words like 挨拶 (aisatsu), meaning “greeting” or “salutation.”
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation: 彼に会ったら、必ず挨拶をしてください。 (When you meet him, please make sure to greet him.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 迎 (gei), which also means “to welcome.” However, 迎 emphasizes the act of welcoming someone into a space, while 拶 focuses more on the act of greeting.
Antonyms: An antonym could be 無視 (mushi), meaning “to ignore,” which is the opposite of acknowledging someone with a greeting.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: Greetings are an essential part of Japanese culture, reflecting respect and politeness. The use of 拶 in greetings signifies the importance of acknowledging others in social interactions.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is 挨拶は人間関係の基本 (Aisatsu wa ningen kankei no kiso), which translates to “Greetings are the foundation of human relationships,” highlighting the significance of greetings in building connections.