The Kanji: 記 (Ki / Shiru)
The kanji 記 means "record," "chronicle," or "to write down." It combines 言 (words/speech) with 己 (self), originally depicting personal accounts. This character represents the preservation of information through writing.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 記録 (kiroku) - Record
世界記録を更新する。
"Break a world record."
2. 日記 (nikki) - Diary
毎日日記をつける。
"Keep a daily diary."
3. 記者 (kisha) - Reporter
記者が事件を取材する。
"Reporters cover the incident."
4. 記憶 (kioku) - Memory
楽しい記憶が残る。
"Happy memories remain."
In summary, 記 encompasses documentation - from official logs (記録) and personal journals (日記) to news gathering (記者) and mental retention (記憶). It's fundamental to information preservation in Japanese culture.