Nihongo

Kanji Detail of 賀

賀

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

The kanji 賀賀 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): ガ ・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 賀賀 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). The left part is 貝, which represents a shell, and it symbolizes "property" or "treasure." The right part is 加, 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."

Menus