1. Kanji Breakdown: 忠
This kanji represents a fundamental virtue in East Asian cultures, particularly influenced by Confucianism.
Meaning: Loyalty, devotion, fidelity. It signifies a wholehearted and unwavering faithfulness to a person, lord, or cause.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): チュウ (chuu)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): None in common modern use.
The kanji is a compound ideograph (会意文字). It consists of two parts:
Middle/Heart (心): This is the "heart" or "mind" radical (こころ), representing one's inner being, intentions, and emotions.
Top (中): This means "middle," "center," or "inside."
The elegant and powerful meaning is "a centered heart" or "an unwavering heart." A loyal person is one whose heart is steadfast, focused, and devoted without deviation.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "忠" has 8 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 8
Start with the vertical stroke of "中". (From top to bottom)
The top-left corner stroke. (A short diagonal)
The right-falling stroke. (A longer diagonal from the top-center to the right)
The bottom horizontal stroke of "中". (This seals the "mouth" part)
The left dot of "心". (A short left-falling stroke)
The hook of "心". (A curved stroke starting from the center)
The middle dot of "心". (A short stroke in the center-right)
The right dot of "心". (A final short stroke on the lower right)
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom.
The top part "中" should be centered and of moderate size.
The bottom part "心" should be wider than "中", providing a stable base. The three dots of "心" should be balanced.
The overall character should feel centered and grounded, reflecting its meaning.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "忠" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
忠実 (ちゅうじつ, chuujitsu)
Meaning: Faithful, loyal; accurate, true (to the original).
Example: 彼は会社に忠実な社員だ。
Romaji: Kare wa kaisha ni chuujitsu na shain da.
English: He is a loyal employee to the company.
忠告 (ちゅうこく, chuukoku)
Meaning: Advice, warning, admonition (advice given with sincere intent for someone's good).
Example: 医師の忠告に従って禁煙した。
Romaji: Ishi no chuukoku ni shitagatte kin'en shita.
English: I quit smoking following my doctor's advice.
忠義 (ちゅうぎ, chuugi)
Meaning: Loyalty, devotion (especially to a lord or master). Often used in a historical/samurai context.
Example: その武士は主君に忠義を尽くした。
Romaji: Sono bushi wa shukun ni chuugi o tsukushita.
English: That samurai served his lord with utter loyalty.
忠臣 (ちゅうしん, chuushin)
Meaning: A loyal retainer, a faithful vassal.
Example: 忠臣蔵の物語はとても有名だ。
Romaji: Chuushingura no monogatari wa totemo yūmei da.
English: The story of the Treasury of Loyal Retainers (Chushingura) is very famous.
忠心 (ちゅうしん, chuushin)
Meaning: Loyal heart, devotion.
Example: 彼の忠心は疑いようがなかった。
Romaji: Kare no chuushin o utagaiyō ga nakatta.
English: There was no doubting his loyal heart.
Summary
Kanji: 忠
Core Meaning: Loyalty, Devotion, Fidelity. It represents the virtue of an unwavering, centered heart.
Readings: On'yomi チュウ (chuu)
Stroke Order: 8 strokes. Remember it's composed of 中 (top - center) and 心 (bottom - heart).
This kanji is essential for understanding concepts of duty and fidelity in Japanese culture. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this character that embodies a key Confucian virtue.