カテゴリー: B

This character features a stand used for food or ritual offerings. The symbol for ‘beans’ originated from this very shape. In ancient times, beans were likely placed on this stand as an offering to the gods.

Words & Phrases

• 大豆（daizu）:Soybeans
• 小豆（azuki）:Azuki beans
• 納豆（nattou):Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.
• 豆腐（tofu）:Tofu is a soft food made from soy milk, similar to soy cheese.

This kanji instantly makes it easy to imagine exactly what it means! On the left, you have the raw material of a massive, solid TREE. On the right, the intricate lines perfectly depict the wooden frames of a building being locked together. Combining the strong wood with precise architecture, this character serves as the ultimate visual definition of ‘BUILD’ or ‘STRUCTURE’

Words ＆Phrases

• 構造（kouzou) :Structure
• 構成（kousei）:Organization
• 構図（kouzu）:Composition

Just look closely at the character—you can easily find a cute BABY or CHILD exactly as it is in this shape! The top portion forms the round head, the long horizontal stroke represents the little arms spread wide for a hug, and the bottom center shows the wrapped body. It is a perfect, heartwarming pictogram of a child!

Why is a dragon hiding in a bamboo bowl? Because a dragon’s body is long, flexible, and covered in intricate scales. Just like a dragon, a traditional ‘KAGO’ is made by twisting bamboo into a tightly woven, scaled pattern. This striking character beautifully captures the artistic texture of a dragon’s skin!

On the left side of this character, you can see a MAN standing. On the right, there is another MAN kneeling and praying to him. The one standing represents the ‘BUDDHA,’ whose sole purpose is to save and comfort the people who pray to him.

In this character, you can see a rope coiled up underneath a table. This figure directly depicts that hidden situation. Therefore, this kanji carries the meaning of ‘HIDDEN,’ ‘CAN’T SEE CLEARLY,’ or ‘BLACK’ in Japanese.