1. Meaning and Usage
The core meaning of the kanji 忍 is "to endure," "to bear," "to conceal," or "to spy." It represents the concept of withstanding hardship patiently or hiding one's true feelings or presence.
Common Readings and Words:
にん (nin): The Sino-Japanese reading used in compound words.
忍者 (ninja): Ninja (a covert agent in feudal Japan). (忍-conceal + 者-person)
忍耐 (nintai): Patience, endurance. (忍-endure + 耐-withstand)
残忍 (zannin): Cruelty, brutality. (残-remain/cruel + 忍-endure → "cruel endurance")
しの (shino): Used in the native Japanese verb.
忍ぶ (shinobu): The verb meaning "to endure," "to bear," "to conceal oneself."
2. Correct Stroke Order
Writing 忍 correctly is essential for balance. The kanji is composed of the top component 刃 (yaiba) and the bottom component 心 (kokoro).
Total Strokes: 7
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Top Component: 刃 (Yaiba - Blade)
Stroke 1: The horizontal折 (oritsu) at the top.
Stroke 2: The left-falling stroke (撇) from the top-left.
Stroke 3: The dot (点) on the lower right. Note: The "blade" component is written completely before moving to the bottom.
Bottom Component: 心 (Kokoro - Heart)
Stroke 4: The left dot (点).
Stroke 5: The "hook" stroke in the middle.
Stroke 6: The right dot (点).
Stroke 7: The bottom dot (点).
Key Stroke Order Rules Applied:
Top to Bottom: The entire top component 刃 is written before the bottom component 心.
Left to Right: The dots in the "heart" radical are generally written from left to right.
3. Historical Origins and Etymology (The "Story" Behind the Kanji)
The history of 忍 is a powerful and vivid example of an ideographic compound (会意文字 kaii moji), where the meaning is derived from a striking image.
The kanji 忍 is composed of two parts:
刃 (Yaiba): This character means "blade," "edge of a sword." It represents something sharp, painful, and dangerous.
心 (Kokoro): This character means "heart," "mind," or "spirit." It is the seat of one's feelings and will.
The Combined Meaning:
The character 忍 creates an unforgettable and visceral concept:
"A blade (刃) pressing against one's heart (心)."
This is the ultimate expression of endurance. What requires more mental and emotional strength than bearing a pain that feels like a knife to your heart? This image perfectly captures the essence of 忍:
To Endure: It is the act of withstanding extreme emotional or physical pain without breaking.
To Conceal: Just as you would hide your pain from others when a blade is at your heart, 忍 means to suppress your true feelings, to remain hidden, and to operate in secrecy. This is the direct link to 忍者 (ninja), who were masters of concealment and enduring extreme conditions.
The philosophy behind this kanji is central to Japanese culture, where enduring hardship silently (我慢 - gamàn) and not showing one's pain is often seen as a sign of strength and maturity.
4. Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences showing the different uses of 忍.
As "To Endure" (しのぶ):
Romaji: Itami o shinonde kudasai.
English: Please bear the pain.
痛みを忍んでください。
As "Ninja" (にん):
Romaji: Ninja wa hisoka ni kōdō shita.
English: Ninjas acted in secret.
忍者は密かに行動した。
As "Patience" (にん):
Romaji: Kono shigoto wa nintai ga iru.
English: This job requires patience.
この仕事は忍耐がいる。
Summary
Meaning: To endure, to bear, to conceal, to spy.
Writing: 7 strokes. Write the top "blade" component 刃 first, then the bottom "heart" component 心.
Origin: An ideographic compound. It combines 刃 (blade) and 心 (heart) to represent the powerful image of "a blade pressing against one's heart." This symbolizes the ultimate act of enduring pain and concealing one's true feelings, which is the core philosophy behind the 忍者 (ninja).