1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji 出 (pronounced “shutsu” or “de”) primarily means “to exit,” “to go out,” or “to come out.” It conveys the idea of movement away from a place or the act of emergence.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji 出 is classified as a pictogram, originally depicting a person stepping out of a door or a cave, symbolizing the action of leaving or emerging.
Radical: The radical for 出 is also 出, which is used in various kanji related to movement or exit.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include 出 are:
- 出発 (しゅっぱつ, shuppatsu) – departure
- 出る (でる, deru) – to exit or to come out
- 出席 (しゅっせき, shusseki) – attendance
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 学校に出る時間です。
(It’s time to go out to school.) - 彼は会議に出席します。
(He will attend the meeting.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A kanji with a similar meaning is 出現 (しゅつげん, shutsugen), which means “appearance” or “emergence,” but it is often used in more formal contexts.
Antonyms: A kanji with an opposite meaning is 入 (にゅう, nyuu), which means “to enter.” While 出 indicates going out, 入 indicates going in.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of 出 is significant in Japanese culture, often associated with the idea of new beginnings, such as leaving home for the first time or embarking on a journey.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is 出る釘は打たれる (でるくぎはうたれる, deru kugi wa utareru), which translates to “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down,” meaning that those who stand out may face criticism or pressure to conform.