argue(論)

The kanji is composed of the radical for “speech” in the left,and elements representing a legal code written on wooden tablets in the right. This signifies explaining things to someone by following established rules and principles of the world. So this kanji means’argue’.

Words &Phrases

  • 論理(ron-ri):The logical line of reasoning used to guide thought and discussion correctly.
  • 論争(ron-sou):Arguing with each other, with each side asserting that their own view is correct.

arms(武)

“What can you see in this drawing? Yes, it’s a person carrying a huge sword! So, this kanji character means ‘weapon.’ A sword itself isn’t a weapon. It’s the fact that a human is using it that makes it one.”

Words & Phrases

  • 武器(buki):A tool or instrument used for fighting or combat.
  • 武士(bushi):A person of a historical social class who mastered martial arts and engaged in warfare.

already(既)

Can you tell what this character means at a first glance? On the left side, you can find a generous amount of food served on a tall tray, and on the right, a person sitting down—completely full. Yes, this character expresses the exact meaning of ‘already enough’.

Words & Phrases

  • 既存(kizon):The state of already being in existence rather than newly created.
  • 既知(kichi):Something that a person is already aware of or familiar with.

Related Posts

ancestor(祖)

On the right side of this figure, you can see a pile of blocks, while the left features a stand for sacred offerings. Therefore, this character beautifully symbolizes an ‘ancestor’—representing those who built and piled up their lives through the generations.

Words & Phrases

  • 祖国(sokoku):The country in which a person was born; one’s home country.
  • 祖先(sosen):One’s family line from its founder to the previous generation
  • 祖父母(sofubo):The father and mother of one’s parents; one’s grandfather and grandmother.

away(離)

On the left side, you can find a crocodile-like creature, with a large bird flying high above it. This character describes a tense standoff where the land animal and the bird fight while maintaining their distance—just like boxers! Therefore, this character carries the meaning ‘away from something’.

Words & Phrases

  • 離婚(rikon):The act of ending a marriage and legally becoming strangers again.
  • 離島(ritoh):An isolated island located far away from the mainland.
  • 離別(ribetsu):Parting ways with another person, whether temporarily or permanently.

Related Posts

absolute(必)

This character stems from the image of something being bound tightly to ensure it never breaks apart. Just as it looks, this total certainty and strong determination represents the concept of ‘ABSOLUTE’ or ‘MUST.’

Words & Phrases

  • 必死(hisshi):Doing one’s utmost and giving everything one has, even at the risk of one’s own life.
  • 必要(hitsuyou):The state of being an absolute necessity that one cannot do without.

alien(夷)

In ancient Japan, the central government in the west considered the eastern tribes to be enemies. They called these people the ‘Emishi.’ This kanji was created to reflect the unique clothing and style of the Emishi people.

Words & Phrases

  • 夷狄(iteki):A tribe or ethnic group considered uncivilized and culturally distinct from the dominant society.

autumn(秋)

This kanji has a rice plant on the left and a fire on the right. It shows the process of harvesting rice from the fields and drying it to store for later. This traditional scene represents autumn in Japan.

Words & Phrases

  • 秋刀魚(sanma):A fish of the saury family with an elongated body, a bluish-black back, and a silvery-white belly, known for its pointed beak and delicious flavor when in season during autumn; the Pacific saury.
  • 秋月(shuugetsu):The bright, clear moon shining in the sky on an autumn night.

angry(怒)

This kanji is made up of three parts. The top-left means ‘woman,’ the top-right means ‘hand,’ and the bottom means ‘heart.’ Together, I think this kanji symbolizes a primal emotion that a man feels when his woman is taken by someone else—angry.

Words & Phrases

  • 怒声(dosei):A voice spoken in anger or indignation, often harsh, sharp, or loud.
  • 怒髪(dohatsu):Hair standing on end due to intense fury or boiling rage.