The Kanji: 実 (Jitsu / Mi) - The "Reality" and "Fruit" Kanji
The kanji "実" is a profound character that represents concepts of truth, reality, sincerity, and fruit. It connects the tangible result of a plant (fruit) with the abstract concept of genuineness.
1. Meaning and Usage
Core Meanings: Truth; reality; fruit; sincerity; to bear fruit.
Readings:
On'yomi (Chinese reading): ジツ (jitsu)
Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): み (mi), みの.る (minoru)
Common Words and Compounds:
現実 (げんじつ / genjitsu) - Reality
実際 (じっさい / jissai) - In practice; actually
実 (み / mi) - Fruit; nut
実る (みのる / minoru) - To bear fruit; to ripen
実現 (じつげん / jitsugen) - Realization (of a goal)
2. Writing and Stroke Order: A Stable Structure
The correct kanji writing for "実" is essential as it combines a common radical with a complex internal component. Mastering its stroke order ensures a balanced and correct form.
Stroke Order:
Top Radical (宀 - "Roof"):
Stroke 1: Top dot.
Stroke 2: Left dot.
Stroke 3: Right dot and horizontal hook.
Main Body:
Stroke 5: Vertical折 from the horizontal center.
Stroke 6: Short horizontal inside.
Stroke 7: Long vertical through all horizontals.
Stroke 8: Left and right dots at bottom.
Stroke 4: Long horizontal stroke under the roof.
Stroke 5-8: The component 貫 (tsuranuku - "to pierce"):
Significance of Correct Kanji Writing:
Proportions: The "roof" (宀) should be wide enough to cover the contents below. The central vertical stroke is the backbone, providing stability.
Component Recognition: Breaking it into "roof" (宀) + "to pierce/fill" (貫) helps memory: something solid and genuine filling a space.
Flow: This stroke order follows the standard "top-to-bottom, left-to-right" sequence, crucial for correct kanji writing.
3. Historical Origin and Evolution
The history of "実" beautifully illustrates the connection between agricultural life and abstract philosophy.
Oracle Bone Script & Bronze Script:
The original character was "實", composed of:
宀 (roof): Representing a house or storage building.
貫 (string of coins): Depicting valuable goods (shell coins) stored inside.
The original meaning was "wealth and abundance filling a house"—a tangible, prosperous reality.
Seal Script & Clerical Script:
The form became more standardized, clearly showing the roof over the string of coins. The concept evolved from mere material wealth to the fullness of something genuine.
Modern Simplification (Shinjitai):
The modern Japanese form "実" is a simplification that retains the "roof" (宀) but replaces the complex "string of coins" with a simpler form, though it still conveys the idea of solidity and substance.
Philosophical Connection:
This evolution reflects a deep cultural understanding:
A fruit (実) is the tangible, realized result of a plant's growth.
Truth/reality (現実) is what is substantial and verifiable.
Sincerity (実直) is the genuine content of one's character.
The character teaches that true value lies not in appearance but in substantial, verifiable content—whether in a fruit, a fact, or a person's character.
Summary
The kanji "実" is a cultural bridge connecting agricultural heritage with philosophical thought. It began as a symbol of material wealth stored under a roof and evolved to represent both the physical fruit of nature and the abstract concepts of truth and sincerity. Mastering its stroke order is a key step in Japanese kanji writing, as its structure reinforces important compositional patterns. When you learn how to write kanji like "実," you're not just memorizing a character—you're learning a fundamental Japanese value that prizes substance over appearance, and tangible results over empty promises.