The kanji character 克 generally conveys the meaning of overcoming, conquering, or defeating something, whether it be a challenge, an opponent, or an obstacle. It also carries the nuance of prevailing or succeeding. The core idea is about achieving victory or control through strength, effort, or determination.

・On-yomi (音読み): コク (koku) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): かつ (katsu)

⚫︎ 克服（こくふく） Translation: overcoming; conquering ⚫︎ 克明（こくめい） Translation: detailed; thorough; meticulous ⚫︎ 克己心（こっきしん） Translation: self-control; self-discipline

The kanji 克 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). The left side is a part of the character, depicting a person, and the right side is 口 (kuchi, mouth). The original meaning was likely related to speaking or declaring something to achieve victory. Over time, the meaning broadened to encompass the ideas of overcoming and conquering.