The rich tapestry of Japanese kanji includes many characters, each with its own history and meaning. The kanji “懸(けん, ken)” is one you might often encounter in daily life, yet its origins, meanings, and usage might not be widely known. This article dives deep into the world of “懸(けん, ken),” exploring its fascinating aspects.
Origins of 懸(けん, ken)
The kanji “懸(けん)” evolved from ancient Chinese pictographs. Originally, it derived from the character “縣,” which belongs to the “糸部(いとへん, itohen)” radical meaning “thread.” “縣” depicted the act of hanging something, and from this imagery, “懸(けん)” was born. Over time, it came to encompass meanings related to suspending, separating by time or space, and other varied expressions.
Meanings and Usage of 懸(けん, ken)
The kanji “懸(けん)” means “to hang,” “to suspend,” and “to be involved.” For instance, it is used in phrases like “懸命に努力する(けんめいにどりょくする, kenmei ni doryoku suru),” meaning to work hard with great dedication, or “懸賞(けんしょう, kenshou),” referring to prizes for competitions. It is also used to express concern or worry, as seen in “懸念(けねん, kenen),” meaning anxiety or concern.
Readings, Stroke Count, and Radical of 懸(けん, ken)
The structure and basic information of the kanji “懸(けん)” are as follows:
- Readings: The On’yomi (音読み) is “ケン(けん, ken),” and the Kun’yomi (訓読み) are “かかる(kakaru)” and “かける(kakeru).”
- Stroke count: “懸(けん)” has 20 strokes.
- Radical: The radical is “心(こころ, kokoro),” which relates to emotions and thoughts.
Idioms, Proverbs, and Phrases Using 懸(けん, ken)
There are numerous idioms, proverbs, and phrases that incorporate “懸(けん).” Here are a few examples:
- 懸命(けんめい, kenmei): Doing something with utmost effort. It is used to describe working hard or diligently.
- 懸賞(けんしょう, kenshou): Offering prizes or rewards for contests or competitions.
- 懸念(けねん, kenen): Worry or concern.
- 懸案(けんあん, kennan): A long-standing unresolved issue or problem.
- 懸隔(けんかく, kenkaku): Separation or distance, both psychological and physical.
Conclusion About 懸(けん, ken)
The kanji “懸(けん)” plays a vital role in Japanese due to its varied meanings and extensive usage. From everyday conversations to specialized contexts, “懸(けん)” is a symbol of the richness of Japanese culture and language. Through this article, we hope you have gained a deeper understanding of “懸(けん)” and its applications, enriching your appreciation for Japanese expressions.
