The Kanji: 済 (Sai / Su)
The kanji 済 means "to finish," "to settle," or "sufficiency." It combines 氵 (water) with 斉 (equal), originally depicting the calm after floodwaters recede. This character represents completion, resolution, and economic transactions.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 済む (sumu) - To finish
仕事が済んだ。
"The work is finished."
2. 経済 (keizai) - Economy
経済状況が悪化する。
"The economic situation worsens."
3. 返済 (hensai) - Repayment
借金を返済する。
"Repay a debt."
4. 救済 (kyūsai) - Relief
被災者を救済する。
"Provide relief to disaster victims."
In summary, 済 describes completion (済む), financial systems (経済), debt resolution (返済), and aid provision (救済). It connects concepts of settlement and sufficiency in Japanese.