The Kanji: 会 (A.u/Kai/E) - The "Meet" Kanji
1. Meaning and Usage
Core Meanings: To meet; to assemble; meeting; association; can (ability)
Readings:
Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): あ.う (a.u)
On'yomi (Chinese reading): カイ (kai), エ (e)
Common Words and Compounds:
会う (あう / au) - To meet
会社 (かいしゃ / kaisha) - Company
会議 (かいぎ / kaigi) - Meeting; conference
社会 (しゃかい / shakai) - Society
会話 (かいわ / kaiwa) - Conversation
2. Writing and Stroke Order: The Gathering Under a Roof
The correct kanji writing for "会" follows a clear top-bottom structure with distinctive components.
Stroke Order:
Top Component (𠆢 - gathering radical):
Stroke 1: Right dot
Stroke 2: Left dot
Stroke 3: Left-falling stroke
Bottom Component (云 - say/speak):
4. Stroke 4: Short horizontal stroke
5. Stroke 5: Longer horizontal stroke
6. Stroke 6: Left-falling stroke
Significance of Correct Kanji Writing:
Balance: The character should appear well-proportioned and stable
Proportions: The top "roof" component should adequately cover the bottom elements
Stroke Flow: The strokes should create a sense of unity and gathering
3. Historical Origin and Evolution
The history of "会" reveals an ancient concept of assembly and unity.
Oracle Bone Script (甲骨文字):
The earliest form depicted:
A roof or container at the top
Multiple gathering elements below
The concept of people or things coming together
Bronze Script (金文):
The form became more stylized, emphasizing the gathering of elements under a unifying structure.
Seal Script (篆書):
The character evolved into a more standardized form while preserving the assembly concept.
Modern Form (楷書):
The modern "会" maintains the essential gathering concept while simplifying the structure.
Original Meaning:
The character originally represented "people gathering under one roof," specifically:
Assembly and congregation
Collective meeting and discussion
The coming together of multiple elements
Conceptual Evolution:
The character's meaning developed through social organization:
Physical Gathering → Social Assembly
Temporary Meeting → Permanent Organization
Physical Presence → Abstract Encounter
Cultural Significance:
In Japanese culture, "会" carries important social meanings:
Business Culture: 会社 as fundamental economic unit
Social Structure: 社会 representing community organization
Interpersonal Relations: 会話 as essential communication
Traditional Arts: 茶会 (tea ceremony) as cultural gathering
The character perfectly captures the Japanese emphasis on group harmony and social interaction.
Summary
The kanji "会" represents the fundamental human need for connection and assembly in its most essential form. Beginning as a pictogram of people gathering under a common roof - the basic unit of social organization - it evolved into the comprehensive character for all forms of meeting and association. Mastering its stroke order and unified structure teaches important principles of Japanese kanji writing. When you learn how to write kanji like "会," you're engaging with a character that connects ancient community gatherings with modern social structures. This character serves as a powerful symbol of human sociability - from the ancient tribal assemblies where communities made collective decisions to the modern corporations and social networks that define contemporary life. "会" continues to represent both the simple act of meeting someone and the complex web of social organizations that shape our lives, maintaining its essential meaning of connection while adapting to every evolution in how humans come together across the centuries.