1. Kanji Breakdown: 幸
This kanji represents happiness and good fortune that comes from one's circumstances or luck.
Meaning: Happiness, good fortune, blessing. It conveys a sense of bliss, luck, and favorable circumstances.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): コウ (kou)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): さいわい (saiwai), しあわせ (shiawase)
The original form of this kanji is thought to be a pictograph of handcuffs or shackles, which paradoxically evolved to mean "happiness" because being spared from punishment or misfortune was considered a great blessing.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "幸" has 8 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 8
Start with the top horizontal stroke. (From left to right)
The second horizontal stroke just below the first.
The third horizontal stroke just below the second.
The vertical stroke that cuts through all three horizontal strokes.
The fourth horizontal stroke at the bottom.
The left vertical stroke that starts from the bottom horizontal.
The right vertical stroke that also starts from the bottom horizontal.
The final dot at the end of the bottom horizontal stroke.
Key Writing Tips:
The top three horizontal strokes should be of similar length.
The central vertical stroke (4) is the backbone of the character and should be straight.
The bottom horizontal stroke (5) is the longest and provides a stable base.
The final two vertical strokes (6 & 7) are short and the final dot (8) completes the character.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "幸" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
幸せ (しあわせ, shiawase)
Meaning: Happiness, good fortune, bliss. (This is the most common word for personal happiness).
Example: 家族と過ごす時間が幸せです。
Romaji: Kazoku to sugosu jikan ga shiawase desu.
English: Time spent with my family makes me happy.
幸福 (こうふく, kōfuku)
Meaning: Happiness, bliss, well-being. (Similar to 幸せ but often used in more formal or philosophical contexts).
Example: 心の幸福が一番大切だ。
Romaji: Kokoro no kōfuku ga ichiban taisetsu da.
English: Inner happiness is the most important thing.
幸運 (こううん, kōun)
Meaning: Good luck, fortune.
Example: 幸運を祈っています！
Romaji: Kōun o inotte imasu!
English: I wish you good luck!
不幸 (ふこう, fukō)
Meaning: Unhappiness, misfortune, sorrow. (The opposite of 幸).
Example: その不幸な出来事は忘れられない。
Romaji: Sono fukō na dekigoto wa wasurerarenai.
English: I can't forget that unfortunate event.
幸い (さいわい, saiwai)
Meaning: Fortunately, luckily; a blessing.
Example: 幸いに、けがはありませんでした。
Romaji: Saiwai ni, kega wa arimasen deshita.
English: Fortunately, there were no injuries.
Summary
Kanji: 幸
Core Meaning: Happiness, Good Fortune, Blessing.
Readings: On'yomi コウ (kou), Kun'yomi さいわい (saiwai), しあわせ (shiawase)
Stroke Order: 8 strokes. Focus on the three top horizontals, the central vertical, and the stable base.
This kanji is essential for expressing concepts of happiness and good fortune in Japanese. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you'll be able to understand and express some of the most positive feelings in the language. Keep practicing!