1. Kanji Breakdown: 必
This kanji represents a concept of absolute certainty and necessity.
Meaning: Inevitable, certain, must, always, without fail.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ヒツ (hitsu)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): かなら（ず） (kanara(zu))
The etymology of "必" is fascinating. It is derived from the kanji "柲", which refers to the handle of a weapon. A handle must be firmly grasped and is an indispensable part of the weapon. This idea of being "firmly fixed" and "absolutely necessary" evolved into its current meaning of certainty and necessity.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "必" has 5 strokes, but its order is unique and often considered tricky.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 5
Start with the top-left dot. (A short stroke)
The left-falling stroke. (A long diagonal from the top-right to the bottom-left)
The horizontal hook stroke. (This stroke starts horizontally and then hooks down)
The right-falling stroke inside. (A long diagonal inside the character)
The final right-side dot. (A short stroke on the right)
Key Writing Tips:
The stroke order is unique and counter-intuitive for many learners. Memorizing this specific order is key.
The central "horizontal hook" (stroke 3) is the backbone of the character.
The final two strokes (the long inner stroke and the final dot) should be well-balanced to give the character a stable feel.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "必" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
必ず (かならず, kanarazu)
Meaning: Always, without fail, certainly.
Example: 約束は必ず守ります。
Romaji: Yakusoku wa kanarazu mamorimasu.
English: I always keep my promises.
必要 (ひつよう, hitsuyou)
Meaning: Necessary, essential.
Example: パスポートが必要です。
Romaji: Pasupōto ga hitsuyou desu.
English: A passport is necessary.
必死 (ひっし, hisshi)
Meaning: Desperate, frantic, for dear life.
Example: 必死に勉強して試験に合格した。
Romaji: Hisshi ni benkyō shite shiken ni gōkaku shita.
English: I studied desperately and passed the exam.
必須 (ひっす, hissu)
Meaning: Required, mandatory, essential (stronger than 必要).
Example: このソフトウェアのインストールは必須です。
Romaji: Kono sofutowea no instalation wa hissu desu.
English: Installation of this software is mandatory.
未必 (みひつ, mihitsu)
Meaning: Not necessarily certain, uncertain (a legal term).
Example: それは未必の故意と見なされる。
Romaji: Sore wa mihitsu no koi to minasareru.
English: That is considered indirect intent (literally, uncertain intent).
Summary
Kanji: 必
Core Meaning: Certain, Inevitable, Must.
Readings: On'yomi ヒツ (hitsu), Kun'yomi かならず (kanarazu)
Stroke Order: 5 strokes. This is a crucial kanji to learn the correct stroke order for, as it is non-standard.
This kanji is fundamental for expressing necessity and certainty. By mastering its unique stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this important character. Keep practicing, especially the stroke order