1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “時” (pronounced “ji” or “toki”) means “time.” It represents the concept of time in various contexts, such as hours, moments, and periods.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “時” is a compound character, which combines elements to convey its meaning. It is classified as a 形声文字 (phonetic-semantic compound), where the left part indicates the meaning related to time, and the right part provides the phonetic reading.
Radical: The radical for “時” is “日” (sun), which is often associated with time and day.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “時” are:
- 時間 (じかん, jikan) – “time” or “duration”
- 時刻 (じこく, jikoku) – “time” or “hour”
- 時代 (じだい, jidai) – “era” or “period”
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 今は何時ですか？ (いまはなんじですか？, Ima wa nanji desu ka?) – “What time is it now?”
- 彼はいつも忙しい時に電話をかけてきます。 (かれはいつもいそがしいときにでんわをかけてきます。, Kare wa itsumo isogashii toki ni denwa o kakete kimasu.) – “He always calls at busy times.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “刻” (こく, koku), which also relates to time but refers more specifically to a moment or a specific point in time.
Antonyms: An antonym of “時” could be “無” (む, mu), meaning “nothing” or “absence,” which contrasts with the concept of time as a measurable entity.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of time is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, influencing various aspects such as punctuality and seasonal festivals.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common proverb is “時は金なり” (ときはかねなり, Toki wa kane nari), which translates to “Time is money,” emphasizing the value of time in life and work.