The Kanji: 右 (Migi/U/Yū) - The "Right" Kanji
1. Meaning and Usage
Core Meanings: Right; right-hand side
Readings:
Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): みぎ (migi)
On'yomi (Chinese reading): ウ (u), ユウ (yū)
Common Words and Compounds:
右 (みぎ / migi) - Right
左右 (さゆう / sayū) - Left and right; influence
右側 (みぎがわ / migigawa) - Right side
右利き (みぎきき / migikiki) - Right-handed
右折 (うせつ / usetsu) - Right turn
2. Writing and Stroke Order: The Serving Hand
The correct kanji writing for "右" has a specific stroke order that distinguishes it from its counterpart "左" (left).
Stroke Order:
Stroke 1: A long horizontal stroke from left to right
Stroke 2: A short left-falling stroke attached to the horizontal
Stroke 3: A vertical折 (or) stroke that starts above, cuts through both previous strokes, and ends with a hook
Stroke 4: A long horizontal stroke at the bottom, parallel to the first stroke
Significance of Correct Kanji Writing:
Stroke Order Difference: The key distinction from "左" is that in "右," the horizontal折 stroke (3) comes before the final long horizontal (4)
Proportions: The top horizontal should be shorter than the bottom horizontal
Balance: The vertical折 stroke should be centered and provide structural support
3. Historical Origin and Evolution
The history of "右" reveals its deep connection with action and capability.
Oracle Bone Script (甲骨文字):
The earliest form was a pictogram of a right hand with clear depiction of fingers and thumb. This was the original character representing the concept of "hand."
Bronze Script (金文):
The form became more stylized, showing a hand with fingers curved as if holding or offering something. The character began to incorporate the mouth component (口).
Seal Script (篆書):
The character evolved to clearly show a right hand (ナ shape) over a mouth (口), representing the act of feeding or assisting someone by bringing food to their mouth.
Modern Form (楷書):
The modern "右" maintains this structure with standardized strokes.
Original Meaning and Evolution:
The original meaning of "右" was "to assist" or "to help," specifically referring to:
The right hand as the dominant, capable hand
The act of feeding or serving others
Providing support and aid
This explains the character's composition:
The ナ shape represents the right hand
The 口 represents the mouth being fed or assisted
Only later did the character specialize to mean specifically "right" as a direction, while retaining its connotations of capability and primary importance.
Cultural Significance:
In Japanese culture, "右" carries important meanings:
Dominance: Represents the primary, dominant side for most people
Political Context: 右翼 (uyoku) means "right wing" in political terminology
Directional Priority: In many contexts, the right side takes precedence
Idiomatic Usage: 右に出る (migi ni deru) means "to surpass" or "to excel"
Summary
The kanji "右" embodies the concept of capability and primary importance through its origins as the "helping hand." From its beginnings as a pictogram of the dominant right hand bringing food to mouth, to its modern meaning of "right direction," this character maintains its connection with action and assistance. Mastering its stroke order - particularly the crucial difference from "左" - is essential for correct kanji writing. When you learn how to write kanji like "右," you're not just learning a direction, but understanding how ancient concepts of human capability and social interaction became encoded in the language. The character serves as a reminder that our most basic spatial concepts are deeply rooted in physical experience and social behavior.