The meanings and history embedded in each character reflect the depth of a country’s culture and language. The Japanese common-use kanji “詰” (kitsu) is no exception. This article delves into the origins, meanings, usage, and related idioms and proverbs of the kanji “詰” (kitsu).
Origin of 詰 (語源)
The kanji “詰” (kitsu) can be traced back to ancient Chinese manuscripts. Originally written as “啐” (so), it depicted the act of closing the mouth. Over time, the “口” (kuchi) radical was replaced with the “言” (gonben) radical, changing it to “詰” (kitsu). This change added the meaning of “stuffing words” or “cramming words,” reflecting the idea of closing or filling tightly.
Meaning and Usage of 詰 (kitsu)
The kanji “詰” (kitsu) means “to stuff,” “to cram,” or “to press for answers.” It can refer to making something dense, filling gaps, or pressing someone for answers. In Japanese, it is used in expressions like “詰め将棋” (tsume shogi), which refers to a situation nearing the final stage, much like a checkmate in chess.
Reading, Stroke Count, and Radical of 詰 (kitsu)
Let’s look at the readings and other basic information of the kanji “詰” (kitsu).
- Reading: The on-yomi (Chinese reading) is “ケツ” (ketsu); the kun-yomi (Japanese readings) are “つ.める” (tsumeru), “つ.まる” (tsumaru), and “つ.む” (tsumu).
- Stroke count: 13 strokes.
- Radical: 言 (ことばへん, kotobahen), meaning words.
Idioms, Proverbs, and Expressions Using 詰 (kitsu)
There are many idioms, proverbs, and expressions in Japanese that include “詰” (kitsu). Here are some examples:
- 詰将棋 (つめしょうぎ, tsume shogi): The final moves in a shogi (Japanese chess) game, or metaphorically, a situation nearing its final stage.
- 問い詰める (といつめる, toitsumeru): To press someone for answers rigorously.
- 角詰まり (かくづまり, kakuzumari): Literally “corner blockage,” referring to a deadlock or being cornered with no escape.
- 詰め腹を切る (つめばらをきる, tsumebara o kiru): To take responsibility by committing suicide. Historically, it referred to defeated generals committing seppuku (ritual suicide).
Summary on 詰 (kitsu)
The kanji “詰” (kitsu) is used in a variety of expressions in Japanese. Its meanings range from stuffing and cramming to pressing for answers, reflecting the depth of the Japanese language. Understanding the multiple meanings and usages of a single kanji is highly beneficial for deepening your knowledge of Japanese.
