1. Meaning and Usage
The core meaning of the kanji 感 is "feeling," "sensation," "emotion," or "to be impressed/moved." It represents the human capacity to perceive, feel, and be emotionally affected by internal or external stimuli.
Common Readings and Words:
かん (kan): The Sino-Japanese reading, used in a vast number of compound words.
感じる (kanjiru): To feel, to sense (the verb form).
感情 (kanjō): Emotion, feelings. (感-feeling + 情-emotion)
感謝 (kansha): Gratitude, thanks. (感-feeling + 謝-thank/apologize)
感覚 (kankaku): Sense, sensation. (感-sensation + 覚-perception)
感動 (kandō): Deep emotion, being moved/touched. (感-feeling + 動-move)
2. Correct Stroke Order
Writing 感 correctly is crucial for balance. The kanji is composed of the top component 咸 (kan) and the bottom component 心 (kokoro).
Total Strokes: 13
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Top Component: 咸 (Kan)
Stroke 1: The horizontal折 (oritsu) at the very top.
Stroke 2: The short horizontal stroke (横) inside.
Stroke 3: The left vertical stroke (竖).
Stroke 4: The horizontal折 (oritsu) that forms a smaller enclosure.
Stroke 5: The short horizontal stroke (横) inside this smaller enclosure.
Stroke 6: The left-falling stroke (撇).
Stroke 7: The right-dot stroke (捺).
Bottom Component: 心 (Kokoro - Heart)
Stroke 8: The left dot (点).
Stroke 9: The "hook" stroke in the middle.
Stroke 10: The right dot (点).
Stroke 11: The bottom dot (点).
Key Stroke Order Rules Applied:
Top to Bottom: The entire top component 咸 is written before the bottom component 心.
Left to Right: This rule is applied within the top component for its horizontal strokes.
Enclose before Close: The outer structure of the top is established before the inner details.
3. Historical Origins and Etymology (The "Story" Behind the Kanji)
The history of 感 is a profound example of an ideographic compound (会意文字 kaii moji), where the meaning is derived from the powerful interaction of its parts.
The kanji 感 is composed of two highly significant components:
咸 (Kan): This character originally meant "all," "together," or "to wound/pierce." It is a combination of 戌 (a weapon like a battle-axe) and 口 (a mouth, but here representing a person or a wound). The core idea is a piercing, all-encompassing impact.
心 (Kokoro): This character means "heart," "mind," or "spirit." It is the seat of emotions and consciousness.
The Combined Meaning:
The character 感 creates a powerful and visceral concept:
"A piercing impact (咸) on the heart (心)."
This is the essence of a "feeling" or "sensation." It is not a mild observation but a perceptible effect on one's inner self. This impact can be:
Physical: A sensation on the skin (感覚 kankaku).
Emotional: A deep emotion that moves you (感動 kandō).
Mental: A thought or impression that strikes you (感じ kanji).
The character brilliantly captures the moment when an external stimulus (the "piercing" force) makes contact with and affects the internal self (the "heart").
4. Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences showing the different uses of 感.
As a Verb "To Feel" (かんじる):
Romaji: Kare no kotoba ni seijitsusa o kanjita.
English: I felt sincerity in his words.
彼の言葉に誠実さを感じた。
As "Emotion" (かん):
Romaji: Kanjō o kokomete utatta.
English: I sang with deep emotion.
感情を込めて歌った。
As "Gratitude" (かん):
Romaji: Go-shien ni kokoro kara kansha shimasu.
English: I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.
ご支援に心から感謝します。
As "Being Moved" (かん):
Romaji: Sono eiga ni fukaku kandō shita.
English: I was deeply moved by that movie.
その映画に深く感動した。
Summary
Meaning: Feeling, sensation, emotion, to be impressed/moved.
Writing: 13 strokes. Write the top component 咸 first, then the bottom component 心.
Origin: An ideographic compound. It combines 咸 (a piercing, all-encompassing impact) with 心 (the heart/mind) to represent the concept of a "piercing impact on the heart." This powerful image of an external stimulus affecting the inner self is the source of all its meanings related to feeling, sensation, and emotion.