1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “司” (shi) generally means “to administer,” “to manage,” or “to govern.” It is often associated with roles of leadership and control.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “司” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of governance with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “司” is “司” itself, which relates to administration and management.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “司” are:
- 司令 (しれい, shirei) – command
- 司会 (しかい, shikai) – host or moderator
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は会社の司令を担当しています。 (かれはかいしゃのしれいをたんとうしています。) – He is in charge of the company’s command.
- イベントの司会をすることになりました。 (いべんとのしかいをすることになりました。) – I have been chosen to host the event.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “管理” (かんり, kanri), which means “management.” While both involve overseeing, “司” often implies a higher level of authority.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “無視” (むし, mushi), which means “to ignore,” indicating a lack of governance or oversight.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “司” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting the importance of leadership and governance in society.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “司馬遼太郎” (しばりょうたろう), referring to a historical figure known for his leadership, symbolizing the qualities associated with “司.”