界 kanji stroke order 界 japanese kanji writing 界 kanji diagram-kanji lookup

せかい
世界
noun
1. the world; society; the universe
2. sphere; circle; world
さんがい
三界
noun
1. the three realms of existence  (see also: 欲界, 色界, 無色界; Buddhist term)
2. the whole universe (of a billion worlds) that Buddha enlightened  (see also: 三千大千世界; Buddhist term; abbreviation)

界 kanji.jpg

1. Kanji Breakdown: 界

This kanji represents the concept of boundaries, realms, and spheres of activity.

  • Meaning: World, boundary, realm, circle, society. It signifies a defined area, border, or a specific field of activity.

  • Reading:

    • Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): カイ (kai)

    • Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): None in common modern use.

The kanji is a compound ideograph (会意文字). It consists of two parts:

  • Top (田): This means "rice field," representing a clearly defined and bounded area of land.

  • Bottom (介): This means "to mediate," "to intervene," or "to be between."

Thus, the original meaning is a "clearly demarcated boundary between fields." This concept of a defined border was then extended to mean any bounded area, such as a "world," "realm," or "society."

2. Stroke Order and Writing

Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "界" has 9 strokes.

Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:

Total Strokes: 9

  1. Start with the top part "田" (rice field):

  2. Then, write the bottom part "介":

Key Writing Tips:

  • Write from top to bottom.

  • The top "田" should be slightly wider.

  • The bottom "介" should be centered. Pay attention to the structure of the "人" radical and the two vertical strokes.

  • The overall character should feel balanced and stable, much like a well-defined boundary.

3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences

Here are some common words using "界" and how to use them in sentences.

Vocabulary

  1. 世界 (せかい, sekai)

    • Meaning: The world.

    • Example: 世界中を旅行したい。

    • Romaji: Sekai-jū o ryokō shitai.

    • English: I want to travel all around the world.

  2. 業界 (ぎょうかい, gyōkai)

    • Meaning: Industry, business world, trade circles.

    • Example: 彼はIT業界で働いている。

    • Romaji: Kare wa IT gyōkai de hataraite iru.

    • English: He works in the IT industry.

  3. 境界 (きょうかい, kyōkai)

    • Meaning: Boundary, border, limit.

    • Example: 国と国の境界を越える。

    • Romaji: Kuni to kuni no kyōkai o koeru.

    • English: To cross the border between countries.

  4. 限界 (げんかい, genkai)

    • Meaning: Limit, boundary, extremity.

    • Example: 私の忍耐力も限界だ。

    • Romaji: Watashi no nintairyoku mo genkai da.

    • English: My patience has reached its limit.

  5. 芸能界 (げいのうかい, geinōkai)

    • Meaning: Show business, entertainment world.

    • Example: 彼女は芸能界に入るのが夢だ。

    • Romaji: Kanojo wa geinōkai ni hairu no ga yume da.

    • English: Her dream is to enter the show business world.

  6. 学界 (がっかい, gakkai)

    • Meaning: Academic world, academic society.

    • Example: その発見は学界に衝撃を与えた。

    • Romaji: Sono hakken wa gakkai ni shōgeki o ataeta.

    • English: That discovery sent a shock through the academic world.

Summary

  • Kanji: 界

  • Core Meaning: World, Boundary, Realm, Circle.

  • Readings: On'yomi カイ (kai)

  • Stroke Order: 9 strokes. Remember it's composed of 田 (field) and 介 (to mediate). Practice writing it step-by-step to master its form.

This kanji is essential for talking about different fields, societies, and boundaries, both physical and abstract. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this important character.


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