Nihongo

Kanji Detail of 賀

Level:N1 High
Strokes:12
Stroke Order
Related Words
AI Explanation
Basic Meaning

The kanji primarily conveys the meaning of "congratulations," "celebration," or "to congratulate." It implies joy, goodwill, and acknowledgement of a positive event. The character is often used in contexts of happiness, good fortune, and marking special occasions.

Readings

・On-yomi (音読み): ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ことほ (to congratulate)

Usage Examples

⚫︎ 賀状 Translation: New Year's card (a card sent to congratulate someone on the new year) ⚫︎ 合格 Translation: Passing (an exam); success ⚫︎ 祝賀会 Translation: Celebration party; congratulatory party

Origin and Formation

The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). The left part is , which represents a shell, and it symbolizes "property" or "treasure." The right part is , which provides the sound and implies "to add" or "increase." The combination thus conveys the idea of adding good fortune or increasing happiness, hence "congratulations" or "celebration."

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