1. Kanji Breakdown: 那
Meaning: Aesthetic beauty, elegance; "what" (archaic/interrogative); used primarily in names and place names.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ナ (na)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): None in common modern use.
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (冄): A variant of the "buttocks" radical, but in this context, it's associated with graceful movement or elegance.
Right (阝): The "village" or "town" radical (おおざと).
The original meaning relates to a "beautiful and graceful village or region." This evolved to carry a sense of aesthetic beauty and elegance. In modern Japanese, its core function has shifted, and it is now primarily used for its sound in names and as an archaic interrogative.
2. Stroke Order and Writing (11 Strokes)
Correct stroke order is essential for balanced and legible kanji.
Stroke Order Diagram:
Start with the left part "冄":
Then, write the right radical "阝" (village radical):
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left part "冄" should be slightly narrower.
The right radical "阝" is written with two strokes. The final vertical stroke should be straight and strong.
The overall character should be well-balanced and upright.
3. Core Meanings & Example Sentences
Here are the primary uses of "那" with common vocabulary and practical example sentences.
A. In Names (Geographical and Personal)
名古屋 (なごや, Nagoya)
Meaning: Nagoya (Japan's fourth-largest city).
Example: 名古屋は愛知県の県庁所在地です。
English: Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture.
那覇 (なは, Naha)
Meaning: Naha (the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture).
Example: 那覇では沖縄の伝統文化を体験できる。
English: You can experience Okinawan traditional culture in Naha.
那由他 (なゆた, Nayuta)
Meaning: A modern Japanese given name (male or female).
Example: 私のクラスメートは那由他です。
English: My classmate is Nayuta.
B. Archaic / Literary Interrogative (なに)
那辺 (なへん, nahen)
Meaning: Whereabout, which place (archaic/literary).
Example: (Literary context) 宝物は那辺に隠されしや。
English: (Literary) Where might the treasure be hidden?
Summary
Kanji: 那
Core Meaning: Aesthetic Beauty; "What" (Archaic); used primarily in names.
Keyword: Elegance, Onomastic (Name-related) Usage.
Readings: On'yomi ナ (na)
Stroke Order: 11 strokes. Structure: 冄 (graceful) + 阝 (village).
This character is a perfect example of a kanji whose primary function in modern Japanese is phonetic, especially in the formation of place names and personal names. While its original meaning relates to beauty, learners will most frequently encounter it in geographical contexts like Nagoya and Naha.