1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “産” (san) primarily means “to produce” or “to give birth.” It is often associated with the concepts of creation, generation, and the act of bringing forth life or goods.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “産” is a compound character that combines elements representing the idea of production. It is formed from the radical for “birth” (生) and the character for “to produce” (産). This character can be classified as a phonetic-ideographic character as it conveys both sound and meaning.
Radical: The radical of “産” is 生 (sei), which relates to life and birth.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “産” are:
- 産業 (sangyō) – industry
- 産物 (sanbutsu) – product
- 出産 (shussan) – childbirth
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼女は新しい産業を始めました。 (Kanojo wa atarashii sangyō o hajimemashita.) – She started a new industry.
- 出産は大変な経験です。 (Shussan wa taihen na keiken desu.) – Childbirth is a challenging experience.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “生” (sei), which also relates to life but focuses more on the concept of living or being alive rather than the act of producing.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “死” (shi), which means “death,” representing the end of life, contrasting with the idea of birth and production.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “産” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in contexts related to agriculture and industry, reflecting the importance of production in society.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “産みの苦しみ” (umi no kurushimi), which translates to “the pain of giving birth,” often used metaphorically to describe the struggles involved in creating something valuable.