1. Kanji Breakdown: 独
This kanji represents concepts of solitude, independence, and uniqueness.
Meaning: Alone, solitary; single; Germany.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ドク (doku)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): ひと（り） (hito(ri))
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (犭): This is the "beast" or "dog" radical (けものへん).
Right (虫): In its traditional form "獨," the right side was "蜀," which referred to a type of "poisonous moth caterpillar" that was known for being solitary and aggressive.
The original meaning comes from the image of a "solitary, fierce animal" (like a wild dog) or a "lonely insect." This imagery of a creature that lives or acts alone evolved into the core meaning of "alone" or "solitary." The meaning "Germany" comes from the phonetic translation of "Deutschland" (独逸, Doitsu).
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "独" has 9 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 9
Start with the left radical "犭" (beast radical):
Then, write the right part "虫" (insect):
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left radical "犭" is narrow. Remember it is written in just 3 strokes.
The right part "虫" should be balanced with the left side. The final two dots are crucial.
The overall character should feel compact and stable.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "独" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
独り (ひとり, hitori)
Meaning: Alone, by oneself; single (unmarried).
Example: 私は独りで映画を見に行く。
Romaji: Watashi wa hitori de eiga o mi ni iku.
English: I go to see movies alone.
独身 (どくしん, dokushin)
Meaning: Single, unmarried.
Example: 彼はまだ独身です。
Romaji: Kare wa mada dokushin desu.
English: He is still single.
独立 (どくりつ, dokuritsu)
Meaning: Independence.
Example: その国は1945年に独立した。
Romaji: Sono kuni wa sen kyūhyaku yonjū go nen ni dokuritsu shita.
English: That country gained independence in 1945.
独学 (どくがく, dokugaku)
Meaning: Self-study, independent study.
例文: 日本語を独学で勉強している。
Romaji: Nihongo o dokugaku de benkyō shite iru.
English: I am studying Japanese through self-study.
独裁 (どくさい, dokusai)
Meaning: Dictatorship, autocracy.
Example: その国は独裁政治が続いている。
Romaji: Sono kuni wa dokusai seiji ga tsuzuite iru.
English: That country continues to be under dictatorial rule.
独逸 (ドイツ, Doitsu)
Meaning: Germany.
Example: 彼は独逸出身です。
Romaji: Kare wa Doitsu shusshin desu.
English: He is from Germany.
Summary
Kanji: 独
Core Meaning: Alone, Solitary; Single; Germany.
Readings: On'yomi ドク (doku), Kun'yomi ひとり (hitori)
Stroke Order: 9 strokes. Remember it's composed of 犭 (beast) and 虫 (insect). Practice writing it step-by-step to master its form.
This kanji is essential for describing marital status, studying habits, political systems, and nationalities. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this versatile character.