1. Meaning and Usage
The core meaning of the kanji 度 is "degree," "time(s) (occurrence)," "measure," or "extent." It is a highly versatile kanji used for measurements, frequency, and even temperature.
Common Readings and Words:
ど (do): The Sino-Japanese reading used for measurements and compounds.
温度 (ondo): Temperature. (温-warm + 度-degree)
程度 (teido): Degree, extent, level. (程-extent + 度-degree)
角度 (kakudo): Angle. (角-angle + 度-degree)
一度 (ichido): One time, once. (一-one + 度-time)
たび (tabi): The native Japanese reading, meaning "time" or "occasion."
度 (tabi): Each time, on every occasion.
その度に (sono tabi ni): Each time that happens.
2. Correct Stroke Order
Writing 度 correctly is essential for balance. The kanji is composed of the outer radical 广 (madare) and the inner component 廿 (nijuu) and 又 (mata).
Total Strokes: 9
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Outer Radical: 广 (Madare - Cliff/Dotted House)
Stroke 1: The top dot (点).
Stroke 2: The horizontal stroke (横).
Stroke 3: The left-falling stroke (撇).
Inner Component:
Stroke 4: The horizontal stroke (横) inside.
Stroke 5: The vertical stroke (竖).
Stroke 6: The short horizontal stroke (横).
Stroke 7: The second short horizontal stroke (横).
Stroke 8: The left-falling stroke (撇).
Stroke 9: The right-dot stroke (捺).
Key Stroke Order Rules Applied:
Top to Bottom: The character is written from the top down.
Left to Right: The inner horizontal strokes are written from left to right.
Enclose before Close: The outer structure is established before the inner details are filled in.
3. Historical Origins and Etymology (The "Story" Behind the Kanji)
The history of 度 is a clear example of an ideographic compound (会意文字 kaii moji), where the original meaning is derived from a concrete action.
Let's break down its original components:
又 (Mata): This character means "hand" (specifically the right hand). Its pictograph clearly shows a hand.
庶 (Shō) - Simplified: The remaining part (广 + 廿) is a simplified form of a component related to "measurement" or "standard."
The Combined Meaning:
The original meaning of 度 was "to measure." The character depicts this action vividly:
"A hand (又) using a tool or standard (the remaining component) to measure something."
Imagine a carpenter's hand using a ruler or calipers. This action of measuring involves determining the "degree" or "extent" of something.
Evolution of Meaning:
From this core idea of "measuring," the meaning expanded logically:
Spatial Measurement: The result of measuring is a "degree" (角度 - angle, 長度 - length).
Abstract Measurement: The "extent" or "level" of something (程度).
Temporal Measurement: Measuring occurrences leads to the meaning "time" or "occasion" (一度 - one time).
The character perfectly captures how a single, concrete human action (measuring with a hand) can become the basis for a wide range of abstract concepts related to quantity, frequency, and intensity.
4. Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences showing the different uses of 度.
As "Degree" (ど):
Romaji: Kyō no saikō ondo wa nijū-go do desu.
English: Today's maximum temperature is 25 degrees.
今日の最高温度は25度です。
As "Time/Occurrence" (たび):
Romaji: Kare ni au tabi ni genki o morau.
English: I get energy every time I meet him.
彼に会う度に元気をもらう。
As "Extent" (ど):
Romaji: Dono teido nihongo ga hanasemasu ka?
English: To what extent can you speak Japanese?
どの程度日本語が話せますか。
Summary
Meaning: Degree, time(s), measure, extent.
Writing: 9 strokes. Write the outer radical 广 first, then the inner components from top to bottom.
Origin: An ideographic compound. It originally depicted a "hand (又) taking a measurement," using the remaining component as a representation of a tool or standard. This core action of measuring is the source of all its modern meanings related to degree, extent, and frequency.