The Kanji: 罷 (Hi / Mamar)
The kanji 罷 (read as hi) carries the core meaning of "to cease," "to stop," "to resign," or "to be dismissed." It is composed of the net radical (罒) and 能 (ability), creating the nuanced idea of one's ability being "caught in a net" or restrained, leading to the cessation of an activity or position. This character is strongly associated with the formal ending of duties or functions.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 罷免 (himen)
Meaning: Dismissal; removal from office.
Example Sentence: 汚職によりその役員は罷免された。
(Oshoku ni yori sono yakuin wa himen sareta.)
"The executive was dismissed due to corruption."
2. 罷める (yameru)
Meaning: To resign; to quit (a post). This is a formal synonym for 辞める.
Example Sentence: 彼は社長の職を罷めた。
(Kare wa shachō no shoku o yameta.)
"He resigned from the position of president."
3. 罷業 (higyō)
Meaning: Strike; work stoppage (a formal term for a strike).
Example Sentence: 労働組合が明日から罷業に入る。
(Rōdō kumiai ga ashita kara higyō ni hairu.)
"The labor union will go on strike from tomorrow."
4. 罷り通る (mamaritōru)
Meaning: To have one's own way; to push through arrogantly.
Example Sentence: 彼は自分の意見を罷り通った。
(Kare wa jibun no iken o mamaritōtta.)
"He arrogantly pushed through with his own opinion."
In summary, 罷 is a formal kanji centered on the cessation of action or position. It is used in contexts of official dismissal (罷免), resigning (罷める), organized strikes (罷業), and, in its verb form, describes someone forcing their will through (罷り通る).