1. Kanji Breakdown: 議
This kanji represents a fundamental process in decision-making and group communication.
Meaning: Deliberation, discussion, debate, resolution.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ギ (gi)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): None in common modern use.
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (言): This is the "speech" or "word" radical (ごんべん), representing language and communication.
Right (義): This means "righteousness," "justice," or "morality."
Thus, the character embodies the idea of "righteous speech" or "discussing what is right." It signifies a formal and meaningful discussion aimed at reaching a just or proper conclusion, much like a debate in a parliament or a meeting.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "議" is a complex character with 20 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 20
Start with the left radical "言" (speech radical):
Then, write the right part "義":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left radical "言" is narrower.
The right part "義" is very complex. Break it down into the top (羊) and the bottom (我).
Due to its high stroke count, careful spacing is key to keeping the character legible and balanced.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "議" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
会議 (かいぎ, kaigi)
Meaning: Meeting, conference.
Example: 午後2時に会議があります。
Romaji: Gogo ni-ji ni kaigi ga arimasu.
English: There is a meeting at 2 p.m.
議論 (ぎろん, giron)
Meaning: Argument, discussion, debate.
Example: その問題について議論した。
Romaji: Sono mondai ni tsuite giron shita.
English: We debated about that issue.
議員 (ぎいん, giin)
Meaning: Assembly member, diet member, parliamentarian.
Example: 彼は衆議院の議員に選ばれた。
Romaji: Kare wa Shūgiin no giin ni erabareta.
English: He was elected as a member of the House of Representatives.
審議 (しんぎ, shingi)
Meaning: Deliberation, consideration (often of a bill or proposal).
例文: その法案は審議中です。
Romaji: Sono hōan wa shingi chū desu.
English: That bill is under deliberation.
議題 (ぎだい, gidai)
Meaning: Topic for discussion, agenda.
Example: 今日の議題は予算です。
Romaji: Kyō no gidai wa yosan desu.
English: Today's agenda is the budget.
不可思議 (ふかしぎ, fukashigi)
Meaning: Mysterious, inexplicable, wondrous.
Example: 彼女の行動はまったく不可思議だ。
Romaji: Kanojo no kōdō wa mattaku fukashigi da.
English: Her behavior is completely inexplicable.
Summary
Kanji: 議
Core Meaning: Deliberation, Discussion, Debate.
Readings: On'yomi ギ (gi)
Stroke Order: 20 strokes. Remember it's composed of 言 (speech) and 義 (righteousness). Practice writing it step-by-step to master its complex form.
This kanji is essential for vocabulary related to meetings, politics, and formal discussions. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this important character.