1. Kanji Breakdown: 員
This kanji is a fundamental character used to denote people belonging to a group or organization.
Meaning: Member, employee, personnel. It refers to a person who belongs to a specific group, organization, or institution.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): イン (in)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): None in common modern use.
The kanji's etymology is pictographic. Its ancient form depicted a "cauldron (鼎) with a round mouth", symbolizing something that is round and whole. The meaning evolved from a "round object" to a "full complement" of people, and then to an individual who makes up that whole, hence "member."
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "員" has 10 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 10
Start with the top "口" (mouth) component:
Then, write the bottom "貝" (shell) component:
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom.
The top "口" should be slightly flatter and wider.
The bottom "貝" should be taller. Pay attention to the final two dots—they are crucial and should be balanced.
The overall character should be well-proportioned and centered.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "員" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
店員 (てんいん, ten'in)
Meaning: Shop assistant, store clerk.
Example: 店員に値段を聞いた。
Romaji: Ten'in ni nedan o kiita.
English: I asked the shop clerk the price.
会社員 (かいしゃいん, kaishain)
Meaning: Company employee, office worker.
Example: 兄は会社員です。
Romaji: Ani wa kaishain desu.
English: My older brother is a company employee.
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.
員数 (いんすう, insuu)
Meaning: The number of people, the count of members.
Example: 員数を確認してください。
Romaji: Insuu o kakunin shite kudasai.
English: Please check the headcount.
乗務員 (じょうむいん, jōmuin)
Meaning: Crew member (e.g., on a train, plane, or ship).
Example: 飛行機の乗務員は親切でした。
Romaji: Hikōki no jōmuin wa shinsetsu deshita.
English: The flight attendants were kind.
全員 (ぜんいん, zen'in)
Meaning: All members, everyone, the whole crew.
Example: 全員集合！
Romaji: Zen'in shūgō!
English: Everyone, assemble!
Summary
Kanji: 員
Core Meaning: Member, Employee, Personnel.
Readings: On'yomi イン (in)
Stroke Order: 10 strokes. Remember it's composed of 口 (top) and 貝 (bottom). Practice writing it step-by-step to master its form.
This kanji is extremely common and essential for describing jobs, roles, and membership in any group. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this fundamental character in countless situations.