1. Meaning and Usage
The core meaning of the kanji 知 is "to know," "to be aware of," "knowledge," or "wisdom." It represents the acquisition and possession of knowledge, from factual information to deep understanding.
Common Readings and Words:
ち (chi): The Sino-Japanese reading used in compound words.
知識 (chishiki): Knowledge, information. (知-know + 識-discern)
知能 (chinō): Intelligence, intellect. (知-know + 能-ability)
知事 (chiji): Governor (of a prefecture). (知-know/govern + 事-affairs)
し (shi): Used in the native Japanese verb.
知る (shiru): The basic verb "to know," "to become aware of."
知らせる (shiraseru): To inform, to notify.
2. Correct Stroke Order
Writing 知 correctly is crucial for balance. The kanji is composed of the left component 矢 (ya) and the right component 口 (kuchi).
Total Strokes: 8
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Left Component: 矢 (Ya - Arrow)
Stroke 1: Short left-falling stroke (撇) from the top.
Stroke 2: Short horizontal stroke (横) below it.
Stroke 3: Long horizontal stroke (横) at the bottom.
Stroke 4: Left-falling stroke (撇) from the center.
Stroke 5: Right-dot stroke (捺) for balance. Note: The "arrow" radical is written completely before moving to the right side.
Right Component: 口 (Kuchi - Mouth)
Stroke 6: Left vertical stroke (竖).
Stroke 7: Top horizontal and right vertical in one stroke (横折).
Stroke 8: Bottom horizontal stroke (横) to close the "mouth."
Key Stroke Order Rules Applied:
Left to Right: Complete the left component 矢 before starting the right component 口.
Top to Bottom: This rule governs the order within both components.
3. Historical Origins and Etymology (The "Story" Behind the Kanji)
The history of 知 is a brilliant example of an ideographic compound (会意文字 kaii moji), where the meaning is derived from the interaction of its parts.
Let's break down its two components:
矢 (Ya): This character means "arrow." It represents something fast, sharp, and penetrating.
口 (Kuchi): This character means "mouth," but in ancient script, it often represented "words," "speech," or "a person."
The Combined Meaning:
The character 知 creates a vivid scene of "words as swift and sharp as an arrow."
There are two closely related interpretations:
Interpretation 1: The Speed of Understanding
Knowledge and understanding can hit you as quickly and directly as an arrow. 知 represents that moment of instant, penetrating comprehension, where a concept or truth "hits" your mind.Interpretation 2: The Act of Inquiry and Declaration
This interpretation focuses on the process of gaining knowledge. An arrow is launched to hit a target. Similarly, you "launch" a question from your mouth (口) to "hit" the truth. Once you know the answer, you can then declare it with your mouth as swiftly and accurately as a released arrow. Thus, the character encompasses both the act of inquiring and the state of knowing.
In both cases, the core idea is the same: knowledge is not passive; it is a swift, sharp, and penetrating force that connects a question to an answer or an unknown to a known.
4. Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences showing the different uses of 知.
As a Verb "To Know" (しる):
Romaji: Sono kotae o shitte imasu ka?
English: Do you know the answer?
その答えを知っていますか。
In a Compound Word (ち):
Romaji: Motto chishiki o fukametai.
English: I want to deepen my knowledge further.
もっと知識を深めたい。
In a Common Expression:
Romaji: Kare no namae wa shirimasen.
English: I don't know his name.
彼の名前は知りません。
Summary
Meaning: To know, knowledge, wisdom, to be aware.
Writing: 8 strokes. Write the left "arrow" component 矢 first, then the right "mouth" component 口.
Origin: An ideographic compound that powerfully combines 矢 (arrow), representing speed and sharpness, with 口 (mouth), representing words and speech. It symbolizes knowledge as something that is swift, penetrating, and acquired or expressed through sharp inquiry and declaration.