This kanji consists of two parts. On the left is the ‘word’ radical, which originally represented a sacred oath sworn before the gods—one so absolute that breaking it brought punishment by the sword. On the right is the element for ‘righteousness,’ itself composed of a sheep and a curved saw used to carve sacrificial mutton for divine offerings. Combined, this kanji came to mean ‘to reason together’ or ‘to discuss in accordance with moral principles.’
Words & Phrases
- 議会（gikai）:The Diet
- 議題（gidai）:agenda