Nihongo

Kanji Detail of 子

Level:N5 Mid
Strokes:3
Stroke Order
Related Words
AI Explanation
Basic Meaning

The kanji primarily represents "child," "offspring," or "seed." It signifies a young person or the beginning of something new. It can also refer to someone with a specific role, or to a small object or particle. This kanji embodies the idea of growth, continuation, and potential.

Readings

・On-yomi (音読み): し (shi) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): こ (ko)

Usage Examples

⚫︎ 子供(こども) Translation: child ⚫︎ 王子(おうじ) Translation: prince ⚫︎ 女子(じょし) Translation: girl; woman

Origin and Formation

The kanji is a pictograph. It depicts a baby or a young child, typically with arms and legs drawn, symbolizing a small human figure. Over time, the form simplified into its current shape. The original image directly represented the concept of a young person.

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