The short story of Kanji pictures
This kanji consists of two parts. On the left is the ‘word’ radical, which originally represented a sacred oath made before God—one so absolute that breaking it meant punishment by the sword. On the right is an element showing a hand holding a tool or weapon to strike a target. Together, the kanji originally meant to direct people using words. Over time, its meaning expanded to organizing, establishing, or building something.
This kanji consists of two parts. On the left is the ‘word’ radical, which originally represented a sacred oath made before God—one so absolute that breaking it meant punishment by the sword. On the right is the radical for the number ten. Together, the kanji originally meant to count aloud using words. Over time, its meaning expanded to measuring, calculating, and planning.
On the left side of this kanji is the “word” radical, which originally depicted a mouth and a sword, symbolizing a sacred promise made to God. On the right side is a component depicting a person removing or shedding their clothes. Together, this kanji means “to explain”—originating from the idea of untangling, melting away, or solving a problem through words.
This kanji consists of two parts. On the left is the “word” radical, which originally represented a sacred oath made before God—one so absolute that breaking it meant punishment by the sword. On the right is the symbol for a thread reel. Together, this kanji means to write down or record someone’s words accurately, just like reeling thread onto a spool.
This kanji is composed of two parts: ‘speech’ on the left and ‘fire’ on the right. Therefore, it carries the meaning ‘to discuss’—representing people speaking with a passionate fire in their hearts.
This kanji is composed of two parts: ‘words’ on the left, which signifies a sacred promise to God made with a sword and a mouth, and ‘tongue’ on the right, which shows a tongue coming out of a mouth. Therefore, the combination of these elements creates the meaning ‘to speak’.
The kanji combines the radical for “speech” with the character for “river”. This implies explaining things kindly by flowing along with and gently embracing people’s natural emotions, just like a river.
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’.
The left side of this kanji features ‘word,’ a symbol combining a sword and a mouth to represent a sacred promise to God. The right side represents a structured framework. Therefore, this kanji means ‘lecture’—speaking in detail using well-structured words.
This kanji shows a sword and a mouth. It means, ‘I promise to God to tell the truth. If I break this promise, punish me with this sword.’ That is why this kanji represents ‘words’.