1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “失” (shitsu) means “to lose” or “to miss.” It conveys the idea of something being lost or not achieved, often associated with failure or absence.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “失” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of loss with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “失” is “失” itself, which is used to denote loss or failure in various contexts.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “失” are:
- 失敗 (shippai) – failure
- 失礼 (shitsurei) – rudeness or impoliteness
- 失業 (shitsugyou) – unemployment
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は試験に失敗した。 (Kare wa shiken ni shippai shita.) – He failed the exam.
- 失礼ですが、お名前は何ですか？ (Shitsurei desu ga, onamae wa nan desu ka?) – Excuse me, but what is your name?
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “喪” (mou), which also relates to loss but is often used in the context of mourning or bereavement.
Antonyms: The antonym of “失” is “得” (toku), which means “to gain” or “to obtain,” representing the opposite concept of loss.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of loss is significant in Japanese culture, often reflected in literature and art, where themes of impermanence and loss are prevalent.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common proverb is “失うものはない” (ushinau mono wa nai), meaning “there is nothing to lose,” which encourages taking risks without fear of failure.