1. Kanji Breakdown: 業
This kanji represents a broad and fundamental concept related to work, activity, and karma.
Meaning: Business, work, occupation, industry; deed, karma (in Buddhism).
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ギョウ (gyou), ゴウ (gou)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): わざ (waza)
The kanji's etymology is pictographic. Its ancient form depicted a "wooden tool with bells attached" used in ancient Chinese music and ceremonies. This tool was used for important, structured work. From this, the meaning expanded to include:
"Work" or "business" - a structured, ongoing activity.
"Karma" in Buddhism - the accumulated "deeds" or "works" from one's past that determine their fate.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "業" is a complex character with 13 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 13
Start with the vertical stroke.
The left vertical stroke.
The right vertical stroke.
The top horizontal stroke connecting the three verticals.
The middle horizontal stroke.
The bottom horizontal stroke.
The left short vertical stroke inside the bottom.
The right short vertical stroke inside the bottom.
The left dot.
The right dot.
The left-falling stroke (the left part of the bottom).
The right-falling stroke (the right part of the bottom).
The final horizontal stroke that seals the very bottom.
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom.
The character is built around a central, vertical spine.
The top part should be symmetrical.
The bottom part is complex; pay attention to the two dots and the final two diagonal strokes which are capped by a long horizontal line.
The final horizontal stroke (13) is crucial for providing a stable base.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "業" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
工業 (こうぎょう, kōgyō)
Meaning: Industry, manufacturing.
Example: この町は工業が盛んだ。
Romaji: Kono machi wa kōgyō ga sakanda.
English: Industry is thriving in this town.
授業 (じゅぎょう, jugyō)
Meaning: Lesson, class (in school).
Example: 次の授業は数学です。
Romaji: Tsugi no jugyō wa sūgaku desu.
English: The next class is mathematics.
業界 (ぎょうかい, gyōkai)
Meaning: Industry, business 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.
農業 (のうぎょう, nōgyō)
Meaning: Agriculture, farming.
Example: 私の祖父は農業を営んでいる。
Romaji: Watashi no sofu wa nōgyō o itonande iru.
English: My grandfather is engaged in farming.
業 (ごう, gou)
Meaning: Karma (in Buddhism).
例文: これは前世の業かもしれない。
Romaji: Kore wa zense no gou kamoshirenai.
English: This might be karma from a previous life.
卒業 (そつぎょう, sotsugyō)
Meaning: Graduation.
Example: 来年、大学を卒業します。
Romaji: Rainen, daigaku o sotsugyō shimasu.
English: I will graduate from university next year.
Summary
Kanji: 業
Core Meaning: Work, Business, Industry; Deed, Karma.
Readings: On'yomi ギョウ (gyou), Kun'yomi わざ (waza)
Stroke Order: 13 strokes. Due to its complexity, practice is key. Focus on its symmetrical structure and stable base.
This kanji is absolutely essential for talking about work, school, and the economy. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this fundamental character.