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An in-depth look in to Radicals – Japanese Language – Kanji

Let’s take a look at the Japanese Radical: ⼿

 

The radical ⼿ (pronounced “te” or “shu” in different contexts) is an important radical in many Japanese Kanji characters. It is said to have been derived from the image of a hand, and this radical signifies actions or manipulation or touch.

 

At Sakuraa Nihongo Resource Centre, we lay great emphasis on learning the Japanese language through means, that provide a deeper understanding of the vocabulary, grammar, kanji, and script. Kanjis being a critical part of the Japanese language, therefore requires dedicated teaching methods. Learning Japanese for work or higher education requires a focused Language learning along with the script. SNRC helps bring this alignment to your Japanese language learning.

 

Here are five Kanji characters with the ⼿ radical.

  1. 指 (Yubi): Pointing Finger
    • Etymology: The Kanji 指 is said to have originated from a hand with an extended pointing finger.
    • Meaning: “finger” or “to point.”
    • Example Sentence: 彼は指で間違えを指しました (Kare wa yubi de machigae o sashimashita) – He pointed to the mistake with his finger.
  1. 持 (Mochi): To Hold
    • Etymology: Combining ⼿ with 寺, depicts a hand holding an object.
    • Meaning: “to hold”
    • Example Sentence: 彼は本を持っています (Kare wa hon o motteimasu) – He is holding a book.
  1. 挑 (Iradachi): Challenge
    • Etymology: When the character ⼿ is combined with 朝, it represents a hand reaching for the morning sun.
    • Meaning: “to challenge”
    • Example Sentence: 彼は新たな挑戦に取り組んでいます (Kare wa arata na chousen ni torikundeimasu) – He is taking on a new challenge.
  1. 按 (An): Press
    • Etymology: The Kanji 按 and ⼿ combined with 安, portrays a hand gently pressing down on something.
    • Meaning: “to press”
    • Example Sentence: 彼はボ⼣ンを按した (Kare wa botan o anshita) – He pressed the button.
  1. 探 (Sagasu): To Search
    • Etymology: ⼿ is added to 尋, to depict a hand searching for something.
    • Meaning: “to search”
    • Example Sentence: 彼⼥は失った鍵を探しています (Kanojo wa ushinatta kagi o sagashiteimasu) – She is searching for the lost key.

 

These Kanji characters showcase the uses of the ⼿ radical. The Japanese writing system has an in-depth cultural significance that is embedded in each character of the Kanjis.

 

SNRC’s approach to language learning extends beyond grammar and vocabulary. Knowing the etymology & radicals of Kanjis deepens one’s understanding. Sakuraa Nihongo Resource Centre’s commitment to incorporating these subtle cues into its teaching approach makes them a unique and invaluable resource for anyone looking to learn Japanese comprehensively.

 

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