Nihongo

Kanji Detail of 具

Level:N3 Low
Strokes:8
Stroke Order
Related Words
AI Explanation
Basic Meaning

The kanji primarily conveys the idea of "tools," "equipment," "to possess," or "to have." It implies having the necessary components or elements for something, or the quality of being complete or furnished. It suggests the presence of something and often relates to items or qualities needed for a specific purpose.

Readings

・On-yomi (音読み): (gu) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): そな-わる (sona-waru) - to be equipped with; to possess

Usage Examples

⚫︎ 具体(ぐたい) Translation: Specifically; concrete. ⚫︎ 道具(どうぐ) Translation: Tool; instrument; equipment. ⚫︎ 備(そな)え付(つ)けの具(ぐ) Translation: Attached equipment/accessories.

Origin and Formation

The kanji is a pictophonetic character (形声文字 - けいせいもじ). The upper part depicts the image of a container or vessel, and the lower part, (shell), functions as the phonetic component, indicating the sound. The original meaning was likely related to vessels or containers, things which hold things, and by extension, also containing or possessing the contents. Over time, it broadened to include the meanings of having or possessing tools or the necessary ingredients for something.

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