1. Meaning and Usage
The core meaning of the kanji 関 is "barrier," "gate," "connection," "to concern," or "related to." It represents both a physical boundary and an abstract link or involvement.
Common Readings and Words:
かん (kan): The Sino-Japanese reading used in compound words.
関係 (kankei): Relation, connection, involvement. (関-connection + 系-system)
関西 (kansai): The Kansai region (e.g., Osaka, Kyoto). (関-barrier + 西-west → "west of the barrier")
関連 (kanren): Connection, relevance. (関-connection + 連-link)
関心 (kanshin): Interest, concern. (関-concern + 心-heart)
せき (seki): The native Japanese reading.
関 (seki): A barrier, a checkpoint (often historical).
2. Correct Stroke Order
Writing 関 correctly is essential for balance. The kanji is composed of an outer radical 門 (mon) and an inner component 关 (kan).
Total Strokes: 14
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Outer Radical: 門 (Mon - Gate)
Stroke 1: Left vertical stroke (竖).
Stroke 2: Top horizontal and right vertical in one stroke (横折).
Stroke 3: Top inner horizontal stroke (横).
Stroke 4: Bottom inner horizontal stroke (横). Note: The left side of the "gate" is written first.
Inner Component: 关 (Kan)
Stroke 5: Left-falling stroke (撇) from the top.
Stroke 6: Horizontal stroke (横) below it.
Stroke 7: Second horizontal stroke (横).
Stroke 8: Left-falling stroke (撇) from the center.
Stroke 9: Right-dot stroke (捺) for balance.
Key Stroke Order Rules Applied:
Left to Right: The left side of the 門 gate is completed before moving to the right side and the inner component.
Top to Bottom: This rule governs the order within the inner component 关.
Enclose before Close: The outer gate structure is established before the inner details are filled in.
3. Historical Origins and Etymology (The "Story" Behind the Kanji)
The history of 関 is a clear example of an ideographic compound (会意文字 kaii moji), where the original meaning is vividly clear from its components.
The kanji 関 is composed of two parts:
門 (Mon): This radical means "gate," specifically a large, double-door gate. It sets the scene for a point of passage and control.
关 (Kan): This component is a simplified form. In its traditional form, it depicted a "bolt" or a "crossbar" used to lock a gate from the inside.
The Combined Meaning:
The character 関 creates a perfect visual and conceptual image:
"A bolt (关) on a gate (門)."
This is the essence of a barrier or a checkpoint. A gate controls passage, and a bolt is the mechanism that secures it, either allowing or preventing movement.
Evolution of Meaning:
From this core image of a physical barrier, the meaning expanded logically:
Physical Barrier: A mountain pass checkpoint (関所 sekisho).
Geographical Region: Areas were named relative to these barriers (関東 Kantō - "East of the Barrier," 関西 Kansai - "West of the Barrier").
Abstract Connection: Just as a bolt connects two sides of a gate, the kanji came to mean any kind of "connection," "relationship," or "involvement" (関係 kankei).
Concern/Interest: Something you are "connected" to or "involved" with is something you have an "interest" in (関心 kanshin).
4. Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences showing the different uses of 関.
As "Relation/Connection" (かん):
Romaji: Kare to shigoto-jō no kankei ga aru.
English: I have a business relationship with him.
彼と仕事上の関係がある。
As "Interest" (かん):
Romaji: Seiji ni kanshin ga nai.
English: I have no interest in politics.
政治に関心がない。
As a Geographical Name (かん):
Romaji: Kansai chihō o ryokō shita.
English: I traveled in the Kansai region.
関西地方を旅行した。
As "Barrier" (せき):
Romaji: Sanchū no seki o tōtta.
English: We passed through a mountain barrier/checkpoint.
山中の関を通った。
Summary
Meaning: Barrier, gate, connection, to concern, related to.
Writing: 14 strokes. Write the outer "gate" radical 門 first, then the inner "bolt" component 关.
Origin: An ideographic compound. It depicts a "bolt (关) on a gate (門)," representing a physical barrier. This concept evolved to represent both the act of controlling passage and the state of being connected, leading to its abstract meanings of relationship and concern.