1. Kanji Breakdown: 情
This kanji represents a profound concept that bridges human emotion and objective information.
Meaning: Emotion, feeling, sentiment; situation, circumstances; passion, sympathy.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ジョウ (jou), セイ (sei)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): なさ（け） (nasa(ke))
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (忄): This is the "heart" or "mind" radical (りっしんべん), representing one's inner feelings and spirit.
Right (青): This means "blue" or "green," but it also carries the meaning of "clear," "pure," and "unadulterated."
Thus, the character poetically represents the "pure, clear state of the heart"—our genuine emotions. Furthermore, this "clear state" can also refer to the "true facts" of a situation, which is how it also came to mean "circumstances" or "information."
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "情" has 11 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 11
Start with the left radical "忄" (heart radical):
Then, write the right part "青":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left radical "忄" is narrow.
The right part "青" is wider and more complex. Ensure the bottom horizontal stroke is the longest to provide a stable base.
The overall character should feel balanced, with the "heart" radical lending emotional weight to the clear "blue" of the right side.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "情" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
感情 (かんじょう, kanjou)
Meaning: Emotion, feeling, sentiment.
Example: 彼の感情が顔に出ている。
Romaji: Kare no kanjou ga kao ni dete iru.
English: His emotions are showing on his face.
情報 (じょうほう, jōhō)
Meaning: Information, news, data.
Example: ニュースでその情報を得た。
Romaji: Nyūsu de sono jōhō o eta.
English: I got that information from the news.
状況 (じょうきょう, jōkyō)
Meaning: Situation, circumstances, state of affairs.
Example: 今の状況を説明してください。
Romaji: Ima no jōkyō o setsumei shite kudasai.
English: Please explain the current situation.
情熱 (じょうねつ, jōnetsu)
Meaning: Passion, enthusiasm, zeal.
Example: 彼は仕事に情熱を注いでいる。
Romaji: Kare wa shigoto ni jōnetsu o sosoida iru.
English: He pours passion into his work.
同情 (どうじょう, dōjō)
Meaning: Sympathy, compassion.
Example: 彼の境遇に同情した。
Romaji: Kare no kyōgū ni dōjō shita.
English: I felt sympathy for his circumstances.
情け (なさけ, nasake)
Meaning: Pity, compassion, mercy.
Example: 彼は情け知らずだ。
Romaji: Kare wa nasake shirazu da.
English: He is merciless (does not know pity).
Summary
Kanji: 情
Core Meaning: Emotion, Feeling; Situation, Circumstances.
Readings: On'yomi ジョウ (jou), Kun'yomi なさけ (nasake)
Stroke Order: 11 strokes. Remember it's composed of 忄 (heart) and 青 (pure/blue). Practice writing it step-by-step to master its form.
This kanji is essential for discussing both the inner world of human emotion and the external world of facts and situations. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this deeply meaningful character.