1. Kanji Breakdown: 運
This kanji represents a concept of movement and fate that is central to daily life.
Meaning: To carry, to transport; fortune, luck, destiny.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ウン (un)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): はこ（ぶ） (hako(bu))
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (辶 / 辵): This is the "movement" or "walking" radical (しんにょう), which relates to walking or progressing along a path.
Right (軍): This means "army," "military," or "troops."
The original meaning comes from the idea of "moving an army"—transporting troops and supplies. This concept of "carrying something from one place to another" evolved into the meaning of "to transport." The philosophical meaning of "fate" or "luck" comes from the idea that one's life is being "carried along" a predetermined path, much like an army moving along a set route.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "運" has 12 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 12
Start with the right-side component "軍":
Then, write the left-side radical "辶":
Key Writing Tips:
Write the components from left to right, but the radical "辶" is written after the main component "軍".
The "軍" part should be compact and sit comfortably above the base of the "辶" radical.
The "辶" radical's two dots are written first, followed by the long, sweeping stroke that cradles the right side of the character.
The final stroke (the sweeping stroke of "辶") should be smooth and confident.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "運" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
運ぶ (はこぶ, hakobu)
Meaning: To carry, to transport.
Example: この箱を隣の部屋に運んでください。
Romaji: Kono hako o tonari no heya ni hakonde kudasai.
English: Please carry this box to the next room.
運転 (うんてん, unten)
Meaning: Driving, operation (of a vehicle).
Example: 父が車を運転します。
Romaji: Chichi ga kuruma o unten shimasu.
English: My father drives the car.
運動 (うんどう, undou)
Meaning: Exercise, motion, movement.
Example: 健康のために毎日運動しています。
Romaji: Kenkō no tame ni mainichi undō shite imasu.
English: I exercise every day for my health.
運命 (うんめい, unmei)
Meaning: Fate, destiny.
Example: 君に会えたのは運命だと思う。
Romaji: Kimi ni aeta no wa unmei da to omou.
English: I think it was fate that I met you.
不運 (ふうん, fuun)
Meaning: Bad luck, misfortune.
Example: 試合に負けるとは不運だった。
Romaji: Shiai ni makeru to wa fuun datta.
English: It was unfortunate that we lost the match.
幸運 (こううん, kōun)
Meaning: Good luck, fortune.
Example: 幸運を祈っています！
Romaji: Kōun o inotte imasu!
English: I wish you good luck!
Summary
Kanji: 運
Core Meaning: To carry, to transport; Fortune, Luck, Destiny.
Readings: On'yomi ウン (un), Kun'yomi はこぶ (hakobu)
Stroke Order: 12 strokes. Remember to write the right side "軍" first, followed by the left radical "辶".
This kanji is incredibly versatile and common. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to talk about everything from physical movement to abstract concepts of luck and fate.