The beauty of the Japanese language lies in its rich expressions. Kanji, each with its own unique meaning and history, are a significant part of this beauty. This time, we focus on the commonly used kanji “賛(さん)” and delve into its origins, meanings, usage, and even idioms. Let’s explore the power of this single character and the depth of the Japanese language together.
Origin of 賛(さん)
The kanji “賛(さん)” originated from ancient China and is composed of two parts. The upper part is a variation of “貝(かい),” meaning wealth or money, and the lower part “巳(し)” is a modified form of “示(しめす),” indicating a ritual to the gods. The combination of these parts implies “offering wealth to the gods,” which led to meanings like “agreement” or “support,” as seen in words like “賛同(さんどう)” (approval) and “賛助(さんじょ)” (assistance).
Meanings and Usage of 賛(さん)
The kanji “賛(さん)” is frequently used in contexts like “賛成(さんせい)” (to agree), “賛同(さんどう)” (to approve), and “賛助(さんじょ)” (to support). These all convey a sense of endorsing or helping something. In the world of music, “賛美歌(さんびか)” (hymn) is a term used to describe songs that praise gods or noble things.
Readings, Stroke Count, and Radical of 賛(さん)
The kanji “賛(さん)” has several readings in Japanese, but the most common one is the on’yomi (音読み) reading “サン(さん).” The kun’yomi (訓読み) is rarely used.
- Reading: On’yomi – サン(さん)
- Stroke count: 15 strokes
- Radical: 貝(かい)
Idioms, Phrases, and Proverbs Using 賛(さん) and Their Meanings
There are many idioms and phrases containing “賛(さん),” each with its unique meaning and background. Here are a few examples:
- 賛同(さんどう) – To agree with someone’s opinion or plan.
- 賛成(さんせい) – To express a positive opinion about something.
- 賛美(さんび) – To praise or admire gods or great things.
- 賛助(さんじょ) – To help or support something.
- 賛辞(さんじ) – Words that praise someone’s achievements or virtues.
Conclusion on 賛(さん)
The kanji “賛(さん)” holds positive meanings like support and assistance, and is widely used in Japanese. As this character shows, agreement and support play crucial roles in social life, expressing cooperation and empathy. When used in music and literature, it functions as a mark of respect for beautiful or noble things, showcasing the richness of Japanese expression.
