Nihongo

Kanji Detail of 必

Level:N3 Mid
Strokes:5
Stroke Order
Related Words
AI Explanation
Basic Meaning

The kanji fundamentally conveys the idea of "certainly," "inevitably," "must," or "necessarily." It implies something that is unavoidable, essential, or that something will happen without fail. It often denotes a sense of urgency or strong obligation.

Readings

・On-yomi (音読み): ・ヒツ (hitsu) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ・かなら(ず) (kanara(zu)) - always, without fail

Usage Examples

⚫︎必ず Translation: Always; without fail; certainly ⚫︎必要 Translation: Necessary; essential; requirement ⚫︎必死 Translation: Desperate; frantic; inevitable death

Origin and Formation

The kanji is a pictophonetic compound. The upper part represents a person's chest and heart 心臓. The lower part is related to a brush stroke, or a writing brush, indicating a writing gesture. The combination suggests the firm resolve of something written or engraved on one's heart, thus making it certain and unavoidable.

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