create(作)

On the left side of this figure, you can see a person standing, while on the right, there is a piece of wood being cut for a project they are crafting. Therefore, this character beautifully captures the essence of what it means to ‘create’ or ‘make’ something.

この漢字は、左側は立つ「人(にんべん)」、右側は刃物を当てて木材を削り整えている様子(乍)を表しています。人が手を使って新しく物を作り出すことから、「作る・創作する」という意味になりました。

crossroad(辻)

This specific character perfectly combines the symbol for a road on the left with a literal cross in the center. It is a wonderfully straightforward design where ‘road’ meets ‘cross’ to mean exactly what it looks like: a ‘crossroad’.

道を進むことを表す「辶(しんにょう)」の真ん中に、文字通り「十(十字)」を組み合わせた漢字(日本で作られた国字)です。道と道が十字に交わっている場所、すなわち「交差点・つじ」を意味します。

caution(告)

How do you see this character’s shape? It symbolizes the face of a cow with two sharp horns, with a protective wooden bar securely fastened across them. This reflects an ancient custom designed to protect people from the danger of being gored. Therefore, this character has come to represent ‘caution’.

鋭い角を持った牛の顔に、人が突かれて怪我をしないよう横木を当てて危険を防ぐ様子を描いた漢字です。神仏や人に危険や事実を知らせて注意を促すことから、「告げる・警告する」という意味になりました。

tree(木)

Perhaps it was essential for ancient people to first name the elements of nature around them, such as trees, rivers, mountains, and animals. This character beautifully represents ‘tree’ in a single word.