1. Kanji Breakdown: 壽 (Traditional) / 寿 (Simplified)
This kanji is one of the most auspicious characters in Japanese, representing celebration and longevity.
Meaning: Longevity, long life; congratulations, auspiciousness; age.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ジュ (ju), ス (su)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): ことぶき (kotobuki)
The kanji's etymology is pictographic. Its ancient form depicted a "fermented alcoholic drink (酒)" offered to the gods in gratitude for a bountiful harvest and a long life. Over time, it evolved to symbolize the blessings and long life that one prays for. The character embodies a wish for a life that is as full and enduring as the offerings given to the gods.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "寿" has 7 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 7
Start with the top horizontal stroke.
The second horizontal stroke.
The third horizontal stroke.
The left vertical stroke.
The horizontal stroke that crosses the vertical.
The right-falling stroke.
The final dot.
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom.
The top three horizontal strokes should be of similar length and evenly spaced.
The character should feel balanced and stable, reflecting its meaning of a long, stable life.
The final dot (stroke 7) is crucial for completing the character.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "寿" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
寿司 (すし, sushi)
Meaning: Sushi. Note: This is the most common word using this kanji. The connection is that "sushi" was originally a food for celebrations.
Example: 今夜は寿司を食べに行く。
Romaji: Konya wa sushi o tabe ni iku.
English: I'm going out to eat sushi tonight.
長寿 (ちょうじゅ, chōju)
Meaning: Long life, longevity.
Example: 日本は長寿の国として知られている。
Romaji: Nihon wa chōju no kuni to shite shirarete iru.
English: Japan is known as a country of longevity.
延寿 (えんじゅ, enju)
Meaning: Prolonging life, longevity.
Example: この習慣は延寿に効果があると言われる。
Romaji: Kono shūkan wa enju ni kōka ga aru to iwareru.
English: This habit is said to be effective for prolonging life.
寿ぐ (ことぶく, kotobuku)
Meaning: To congratulate, to celebrate.
Example: 新年を寿ぐ会を開いた。
Romaji: Shinnen o kotobuku kai o hiraita.
English: We held a party to celebrate the New Year.
福寿 (ふくじゅ, fukuju)
Meaning: Happiness and long life.
Example: ご福寿を祈ります。
Romaji: Go-fukuju o inorimasu.
English: I pray for your happiness and long life.
寿退社 (ことぶきたいしゃ, kotobukitaisha)
Meaning: Retirement from a company upon marriage (typically for women). This is an older, somewhat dated term.
Example: 彼女は来月寿退社する。
Romaji: Kanojo wa raigetsu kotobukitaisha suru.
English: She is leaving the company to get married next month.
Summary
Kanji: 寿
Core Meaning: Longevity, Congratulations, Auspiciousness.
Readings: On'yomi ジュ (ju), Kun'yomi ことぶき (kotobuki)
Stroke Order: 7 strokes. Focus on the balanced structure with three top horizontals.
This kanji is central to expressions of celebration and well-wishing in Japanese culture. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to understand and use this deeply meaningful character in celebratory contexts.