1. Kanji Breakdown: 髪
This kanji specifically refers to the hair on the human head.
Meaning: Hair (on the head).
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ハツ (hatsu)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): かみ (kami)
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Top (髟): This is the "long hair" or "bristle" radical (かみがしら), which is used in characters related to hair.
Bottom (友 + 丶): This bottom part is a variation of "发" (not the common 友 meaning "friend"), which primarily provides the sound ("hatsu"). The original form depicted a hand (又) and a hairpin (丿), symbolizing the act of arranging hair.
Thus, the character vividly represents the concept of "long hair that is arranged or styled." It's important to note that "髪" refers specifically to the hair on one's head, not body hair (which is 毛, ke).
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "髪" is a complex character with 14 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 14
Start with the top radical "髟" (long hair radical):
Then, write the bottom part "发":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom, left to right.
The top "髟" radical is complex. Pay close attention to the three short strokes on each side, which represent strands of hair.
The bottom part "发" should be centered and provide a stable base.
Due to its high stroke count, careful spacing is key to keeping the character legible.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "髪" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
髪 (かみ, kami)
Meaning: Hair (on the head).
Example: 彼女の髪はとても長い。
Romaji: Kanojo no kami wa totemo nagai.
English: Her hair is very long.
髪の毛 (かみのけ, kaminoke)
Meaning: A strand of hair; hair (slightly more specific than just 髪).
Example: 髪の毛が枕にたくさんついていた。
Romaji: Kaminoke ga makura ni takusan tsuite ita.
English: There was a lot of hair on the pillow.
散髪 (さんぱつ, sanpatsu)
Meaning: Haircut, hair dressing.
例文: 今日、散髪に行ってきた。
Romaji: Kyō, sanpatsu ni itte kita.
English: I went to get a haircut today.
金髪 (きんぱつ, kinpatsu)
Meaning: Blonde hair.
Example: あの金髪の人は誰ですか。
Romaji: Ano kinpatsu no hito wa dare desu ka.
English: Who is that blonde-haired person?
白髪 (しらが, shiraga)
Meaning: White hair, grey hair.
Example: 最近、白髪が増えてきた。
Romaji: Saikin, shiraga ga fuete kita.
English: I've been getting more grey hairs lately.
髪型 (かみがた, kamigata)
Meaning: Hairstyle, haircut.
Example: その髪型、とても似合っていますよ。
Romaji: Sono kamigata, totemo niatte imasu yo.
English: That hairstyle really suits you.
Summary
Kanji: 髪
Core Meaning: Hair (on the head).
Readings: On'yomi ハツ (hatsu), Kun'yomi かみ (kami)
Stroke Order: 14 strokes. Remember it's composed of the "long hair" radical (髟) and a phonetic component (发).
This kanji is essential for talking about personal appearance, grooming, and visiting the hair salon. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this character that is so closely related to personal identity.