Japanese with Manga
Learning through examples in manga

Releasing and sending out with 放

放 broadly has three meanings: “to send out” (from a certain place), “to set free” (from confinement), and “to leave as is”.

Etymology

This kanji is a phono-semantic compound comprised of 方 (direction) as the phonetic component and 攵 (hand, striking action) as the semantic component, giving the on-reading ホウ. These invoke imagery of using purposeful action to push something in a direction away from oneself.

Broadcasting and Transmission

放送 (Broadcast)

放送(ほうそう) refers to the simultaneous transmission and delivery of information (such as video, audio, and text) to an unspecified audience via television, radio, the Internet, and other media.

It combines 放 (send out) with 送 (send) to show content being sent outward to the public.

Manga panel from からかい上手の高木さん showing example of Releasing and sending out with 放.
からかい上手の高木さん » Volume 19 » Page 88

Nishika and Takagi’s class discusses what committees they plan to join.

生徒(せいと):
「次(つぎ)の時間(じかん)委員会(いいんかい)決(ぎ)めだよねー。」
“Next up is deciding the committee schedule, right?”
生徒(せいと):
「私(わたし)　何(なに)にしよー」
“What should I pick?”
生徒(せいと):
「私(わたし)　放送(ほうそう)委員(いいん)で好(す)きな音楽(おんがく)流(なが)したいー。」
“I want to play my favorite music as a member of the broadcasting committee.”

放送(ほうそう) here refers to the transmission over the school’s broadcast system.

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Release and Freedom

解放 (Liberation)

解放(かいほう) refers to the act of freeing oneself from bondage, restrictions, or oppression and attaining a state of freedom. The term is used not only in the context of physical confinement but also when escaping situations such as mental stress or poverty.

It combines 解 (untie) with 放 (release) to show freeing something by undoing what holds it back.

Manga panel from ひらやすみ showing example of Releasing and sending out with 放.
ひらやすみ » Volume 1 » Page 88

Hiroto’s friend Hideki stops by Hiroto’s workplace looking for a place to stay for the night. He has with him a shopping bag with beef.

ヒロト:
「やっきにく　やっきにく。うっれしいな〜♪」
“Grilllled meat, grilllled. So happy~~♪”
ヒデキ:
「ボッロイけどいーなぁマイホーム。」
“It's a bit run down, but how nice, having your own home.”
「ヒロトは一生(いっしょう)家賃(やちん)から解放(かいほう)されたのか…」
“Have you been freed from rent forever...?”

解放(かいほう) conveys the freedom from the constraints of having to pay rent.

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