When writing in Japanese, a proper understanding of kanji is essential. In this article, we will focus on the common Japanese kanji “各” (各), exploring its origins, meanings, usage, readings, and even its use in idioms and phrases. What history lies behind this kanji we often encounter in daily life, and how has it integrated into our language? Dive deep into the world of “各” (各) through this article and rediscover its charm.
The Origin (Etymology) of 各
The kanji “各” (各) has its roots in ancient China, and its form is derived from combining two “夂” (夂) characters. “夂” (夂) is a pictograph that means “walking foot,” and “各” (各) originally depicted the scene of multiple people walking their respective paths. Over time, this kanji came to mean “individual” or “each,” and it is now widely used in various contexts in modern times.
Meaning and Usage of 各
The kanji “各” (各) carries the meaning of “each” or “individual,” and is used to refer to each person or thing within a group. It is commonly used in phrases such as “各地” (各地 – various places), “各種” (各種 – various kinds), and “各自” (各自 – each person), conveying meanings such as “various locations,” “various types,” and “each individual,” respectively. It is also a kanji frequently used in official documents and business settings, playing a crucial role in situations that demand precision.
Readings, Stroke Count, and Radical of 各
The kanji “各” (各) has specific readings.
- Readings: The on’yomi (Sino-Japanese reading) is “カク” (カク), and there is no particular kun’yomi (native Japanese reading).
- Stroke Count: It has a total of 6 strokes.
- Radical: The radical is “夂” (夂).
Idioms, Phrases, and Proverbs Using 各 and Their Meanings
There are several idioms and phrases that include the kanji “各” (各), such as:
- 各位 (各位): A term of respect used in meetings or documents to address all attendees or readers.
- 各自 (各自): Meaning “each person,” it refers to individuals.
- 各駅停車 (各駅停車): A railway term for a train that stops at every station.
- 各種 (各種): A word indicating various kinds of things.
- 各地 (各地): Referring to various places or many regions.
Summary on 各
The kanji “各” (各) is a significant character that can greatly alter the meaning of a sentence depending on how it is used. It plays a substantial role in Japanese, being widely used from business to everyday conversation. Through this article, we hope you have gained a comprehensive understanding of “各,” from its basic knowledge to its applications, and that it serves as an aid for more accurate and enriched Japanese expressions. By learning about the history and meanings embedded in each kanji, we hope you have come to appreciate the deep allure of the Japanese language.
