Kanji: 影 (Shadow/Figure)
The kanji 影 means "shadow," "silhouette," "figure," or "reflection." It represents the dark shape cast by an object blocking light, or more abstractly, an invisible influence or trace.
Key Reading:
Kun-yomi (Japanese reading): かげ (kage)
On-yomi (Sino-Japanese reading): エイ (ei)
Common Words & Usage:
影 (kage) - Noun. Shadow, silhouette.
影響 (eikyō) - Noun/Suru-verb. Influence, effect.
影絵 (kage-e) - Noun. Shadow picture, silhouette.
撮影 (satsuei) - Noun/Suru-verb. Photography, filming.
Example Sentence:
Japanese: 彼は日本の文化に大きな影響を受けた。
Romaji: Kare wa Nihon no bunka ni ōkina eikyō o uketa.
English: He was greatly influenced by Japanese culture.
Learning the correct stroke order for kanji like 影 is essential for balanced, legible Japanese handwriting and is a fundamental part of mastering kanji writing.