1. Kanji Breakdown: 民
This kanji represents a fundamental concept in society and governance.
Meaning: People, nation, citizens, folk. It refers to the common people, the populace, or a ethnic group.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ミン (min)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): たみ (tami)
The etymology of "民" is pictographic. One common theory suggests its ancient form depicted an "eye being pierced by a needle," symbolizing blinding slaves to subjugate them. A less violent theory suggests it depicted a "sprouting plant," symbolizing the proliferating common people. Regardless of the origin, the meaning evolved to represent the "governed populace" or the "common people."
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "民" has 5 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 5
The left vertical stroke. (From top to bottom)
The horizontal stroke. (From left to right)
The right vertical stroke. (From top to bottom)
The horizontal stroke that seals the top.
The final left-falling stroke (the diagonal slash).
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom.
The character should be slightly wider at the top.
The final diagonal stroke (stroke 5) is crucial and should sweep down to the left, giving the character a dynamic feel.
Pay attention to the balance between the upper rectangular part and the final diagonal stroke.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "民" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
国民 (こくみん, kokumin)
Meaning: People of a country, citizens, nationals.
Example: 日本の国民は親切だ。
Romaji: Nihon no kokumin wa shinsetsu da.
English: The people of Japan are kind.
市民 (しみん, shimin)
Meaning: Citizen, citizenry.
Example: 私は東京の市民です。
Romaji: Watashi wa Tōkyō no shimin desu.
English: I am a citizen of Tokyo.
民族 (みんぞく, minzoku)
Meaning: Ethnic group, race, people.
Example: 日本は単一民族の国ではない。
Romaji: Nihon wa tan'itsu minzoku no kuni de wa nai.
English: Japan is not a mono-ethnic nation.
民間 (みんかん, minkan)
Meaning: Private, civilian, non-governmental.
Example: 彼は民間企業に勤めている。
Romaji: Kare wa minkan kigyō ni tsutomete iru.
English: He works for a private company.
農民 (のうみん, nōmin)
Meaning: Farmer, peasant.
Example: 私の祖父は農民でした。
Romaji: Watashi no sofu wa nōmin deshita.
English: My grandfather was a farmer.
民話 (みんわ, minwa)
Meaning: Folktale, folk story.
Example: 子供の頃、祖母から民話を聞いた。
Romaji: Kodomo no koro, sobo kara minwa o kiita.
English: When I was a child, I heard folktales from my grandmother.
Summary
Kanji: 民
Core Meaning: People, Nation, Citizens.
Readings: On'yomi ミン (min), Kun'yomi たみ (tami)
Stroke Order: 5 strokes. Focus on the final diagonal stroke which gives the character its distinctive form.
This kanji is essential for discussing society, citizenship, and culture. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this fundamental character.