The short story of Kanji pictures
This kanji consists of two parts. On the left is the radical for the number ten, and on the right are three “power” radicals. Together, this kanji represents uniting many powers for a common purpose, meaning “to cooperate” or “to collaborate.”
This kanji has three parts. At the top left, there is a loyal servant watching over his king. At the top right is a hand. At the bottom is a shell, which was the earliest form of money. Combined, this kanji means a wise person who can manage money cleverly and thoughtfully for their ruler and people.
On the left is the “horse” radical, and on the right is a component meaning something thin or flat, like a nameplate hung on a door. Together, this kanji originally depicted someone hopping lightly onto a horse and quickly riding away. By extension, it came to mean “to cheat” or “to trick” someone!
This kanji consists of two parts. On the left is the “cloth/flag” radical, and on the right is “venture”—which depicts someone moving forward with their eyes covered. Together, they represent a cap or hat made of cloth.
This kanji symbolically depicts a sword and the cut line it leaves behind. Therefore, this kanji means ‘to cut.’
This kanji consists of two parts. The top part is “SOUND,” which originally depicted a vessel producing a sound. Below it is “HEART.” Together, they express a word or thought inside one’s heart that hasn’t been spoken aloud. Therefore, this kanji means “consciousness,” “thought,” or “intention.”
This kanji consists of three parts: footprints at the top, a breathing mouth in the middle, and a mountain (or slope) at the bottom. As you might imagine, it depicts someone breathing heavily while stepping up a mountain, which is why this kanji means ‘to climb.’
This kanji originally depicted an ancient clay pot or jar used for storing food and sake. Today, we use it to mean ‘can’ or ‘tin’—a metal container for food and drinks.
