1. Kanji Breakdown: 赤
This kanji is one of the basic color kanji and carries additional meanings related to purity and exposure.
Meaning: Red; bare, naked; complete, pure.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): セキ (seki), シャク (shaku)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): あか (aka), あか（い） (aka(i))
The kanji is a compound ideograph (会意文字). It is composed of two parts:
Top (土): This means "earth" or "soil."
Bottom (火): In its ancient form, this was "火" (fire).
The original meaning comes from the concept of "the color of earth (土) baked by fire (火)"—a vivid red. This evolved to mean the color red itself. The meanings of "bare" or "pure" come from the idea of something being exposed to the point that only its fundamental, "red" essence remains.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "赤" has 7 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 7
Start with the top horizontal stroke.
The left vertical stroke.
The right vertical stroke.
The middle horizontal stroke.
The left-falling stroke (the left part of the bottom).
The right-falling stroke (the right part of the bottom).
The final two dots (written as one stroke in some styles, but often as two distinct dots).
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom.
The top part is a compact "土" shape.
The bottom part is derived from "火" (fire). The two diagonal strokes should be balanced, and the final two dots are crucial for the character's stability.
The overall shape should be symmetrical and well-grounded.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "赤" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
赤い (あかい, akai)
Meaning: Red (adjective).
Example: 彼女は赤いドレスを着ている。
Romaji: Kanojo wa akai doresu o kite iru.
English: She is wearing a red dress.
赤ちゃん (あかちゃん, akachan)
Meaning: Baby.
Example: 赤ちゃんが生まれた！
Romaji: Akachan ga umareta!
English: A baby was born!
赤道 (せきどう, sekidou)
Meaning: Equator.
Example: 赤道直下の国は一年中暑い。
Romaji: Sekidou chokka no kuni wa ichinenjū atsui.
English: Countries right on the equator are hot all year round.
真っ赤 (まっか, makka)
Meaning: Bright red, deep red; completely (used with negative connotations).
Example: 彼は嘘をついて顔が真っ赤になった。
Romaji: Kare wa uso o tsuite kao ga makka ni natta.
English: He told a lie and his face turned bright red.
赤字 (あかじ, akaji)
Meaning: Deficit, red ink (in accounting); written in red.
Example: 今年の予算は赤字だ。
Romaji: Kotoshi no yosan wa akaji da.
English: This year's budget is in the red (a deficit).
赤裸々 (せきらら, sekirara)
Meaning: Frank, barefaced, without concealment.
Example: 彼は赤裸々に自分の過去を語った。
Romaji: Kare wa sekirara ni jibun no kako o katatta.
English: He talked about his past with utter frankness.
Summary
Kanji: 赤
Core Meaning: Red; Bare, Pure.
Readings: On'yomi セキ (seki), Kun'yomi あか (aka)
Stroke Order: 7 strokes. Focus on the compact top and the distinctive "fire" radical at the bottom with its two dots.
This kanji is fundamental for describing colors and is used in many common and important words. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this vibrant character.