The kanji 幹 primarily represents the "trunk" or "stem" of a tree. It signifies the central, sturdy part that supports the branches and leaves. This core meaning extends to indicate the main part, foundation, or essence of something, similar to how the trunk is the fundamental structure of a tree.

・On-yomi (音読み): カン ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): みき

⚫︎幹事 Translation: Organizer; coordinator (usually for events). ⚫︎幹部 Translation: Executive; management; leadership. ⚫︎幹細胞 Translation: Stem cell.

The kanji 幹 is a pictograph. It depicts a tree's trunk, with the top part representing the branches and leaves, and the bottom, the roots. Over time, the form has simplified, but the essence of the sturdy trunk remains. The character visually reinforces the concept of the central core and fundamental structure.