1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 辞 (ji) primarily means “to resign,” “to quit,” or “to speak.” It is often associated with the act of leaving a position or expressing oneself verbally.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji 辞 is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical 言 (gen), which means “word” or “speech,” and the component 寺 (ji), which can refer to a temple. This combination suggests the idea of speaking or expressing oneself, often in a formal context.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include the kanji 辞 are:
- 辞書 (jisho) – dictionary
- 辞職 (jishoku) – resignation from a job
- 辞令 (jirei) – official notice or order
In everyday conversation, you might hear:
「彼は会社を辞めることにした。」
(Kare wa kaisha o yameru koto ni shita.)
“He decided to resign from the company.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 退 (tai) – to retreat or withdraw, often used in the context of leaving a position.
- 去 (kyo) – to leave or go away, which emphasizes the action of departing.
Antonyms include:
- 就 (shuu) – to get a job or to engage in, which implies taking on a role rather than resigning from it.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The kanji 辞 has significant ties to Japanese culture, particularly in formal settings such as business and politics. The act of resigning is often accompanied by a formal speech or letter, reflecting the importance of communication in Japanese society.
Proverbs and idiomatic expressions that include 辞 often emphasize the value of words and the importance of clear communication. For example, 辞を尽くす (ji o tsukusu) means “to exhaust one’s words,” indicating a thorough explanation or expression of thoughts.