1. Kanji Breakdown: 進
This kanji represents a powerful concept of forward movement and progress.
Meaning: To advance, to proceed, to progress, to promote.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): シン (shin)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): すす（む） (susu(mu)), すす（める） (susu(meru))
The kanji is a compound ideograph (会意文字). 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 (隹): This means "small bird" (like a sparrow).
The original and beautiful meaning is "a small bird moving forward step by step." Birds, especially small ones, are often seen hopping forward in short, deliberate movements. This imagery perfectly captures the idea of steady, incremental advancement or progress.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "進" has 11 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 11
Start with the right-side component "隹":
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 "隹".
The "隹" part is complex. Break it down and ensure the four horizontal strokes are evenly spaced.
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, giving the character a sense of forward motion.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "進" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
進む (すすむ, susumu)
Meaning: To advance, to proceed, to progress (intransitive verb).
Example: 工事が順調に進んでいる。
Romaji: Kōji ga junchō ni susunde iru.
English: The construction is progressing smoothly.
進める (すすめる, susumeru)
Meaning: To advance, to promote, to proceed with (something) (transitive verb).
Example: 会議を進めてください。
Romaji: Kaigi o susumete kudasai.
English: Please proceed with the meeting.
進学 (しんがく, shingaku)
Meaning: Advancing to a higher level of education (e.g., from high school to university).
Example: 大学へ進学するつもりです。
Romaji: Daigaku e shingaku suru tsumori desu.
English: I intend to go on to university.
進化 (しんか, shinka)
Meaning: Evolution, advancement.
Example: 技術は日々進化している。
Romaji: Gijutsu wa hibi shinka shite iru.
English: Technology is evolving every day.
前進 (ぜんしん, zenshin)
Meaning: Forward progress, advance.
Example: プロジェクトは少しずつ前進している。
Romaji: Purojekuto wa sukoshizutsu zenshin shite iru.
English: The project is moving forward little by little.
進行 (しんこう, shinkō)
Meaning: Progress, progression, advance (of a disease, meeting, etc.).
Example: 病気の進行を止めたい。
Romaji: Byōki no shinkō o tometai.
English: I want to stop the progression of the disease.
Summary
Kanji: 進
Core Meaning: To Advance, To Progress, To Proceed.
Readings: On'yomi シン (shin), Kun'yomi すすむ (susumu)
Stroke Order: 11 strokes. Remember to write the right side "隹" (bird) first, followed by the left radical "辶" (movement).
This kanji is essential for describing any kind of forward movement, from physical travel to personal and technological progress. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this dynamic and positive character.