The Kanji: 事 (Koto) - The "Thing" or "Matter" Kanji
The kanji 事 is a fundamental character representing the abstract concept of a "thing," "matter," "affair," or "event." It is essential for forming nouns that describe actions and abstract concepts.
1. Meaning and Usage
Core Meanings: Thing; matter; affair; event; incident; business.
Readings:
On'yomi (Chinese reading): ジ (ji)
Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): こと (koto)
Common Words and Compounds:
事 (こと / koto) - Thing; matter; abstract concept.
仕事 (しごと / shigoto) - Job; work (Literally "doing thing").
事件 (じけん / jiken) - Incident; event (Literally "matter-occurrence").
食事 (しょくじ / shokuji) - Meal (Literally "eat-thing").
大事 (だいじ / daiji) - Important; valuable (Literally "big-thing").
2. Writing and Stroke Order: A Complex but Logical Structure
The correct kanji writing for "事" is crucial as it is a common character composed of several key components. Its stroke order follows standard rules but must be memorized for fluency.
Stroke Order:
Stroke 1: A short horizontal stroke.
Stroke 2: A long horizontal stroke, parallel and below the first.
Stroke 3: A vertical折 (or) stroke. Start with a short horizontal line, then turn sharply downward, cutting through the two top horizontals. This forms the central "seal" component.
Stroke 4: A short horizontal stroke inside the central box.
Stroke 5: A final horizontal折 (or) stroke. Start with a short horizontal line, then turn downward into a hook. This is the "hand" (又) component at the bottom.
Significance of Correct Kanji Writing:
Proportions: The character should be vertically oriented. The central vertical stroke is the backbone, and the top horizontal strokes should be of appropriate length to create a balanced, slightly top-heavy form.
Component Recognition: "事" can be seen as a combination of elements meaning "to manage" or "to hold an office." The bottom part, 又, is the "hand" radical, indicating action. The top and middle parts represent a "sealed order" or "authority."
Foundation for Speed: While it has 8 strokes, the stroke order is designed for efficient writing. Practicing it correctly ensures you can write this common character quickly and legibly.
3. Historical Origin and Evolution
The history of "事" is closely linked to administration and authority, evolving into its modern abstract meaning.
Oracle Bone Script (甲骨文字):
The earliest form of "事" was actually the same as the character for "史" (shi - historian/clerk) and "吏" (ri - official). It depicted a hand (又) holding a tool to record events or hunting captures. The central vertical line with a Y-shape at the top may have represented a spear or a writing tool, symbolizing the act of capturing, managing, or recording.
Bronze Script (金文) & Seal Script (篆書):
The character became more distinct and formalized. The "hand" at the bottom remained clear, while the top part evolved into a more complex shape representing the "affair" or "object" being managed. It was used in the context of official duties and court affairs.
Modern Form (楷書):
The modern "事" is a standardized form. The top part no longer resembles a spear but has been stylized into a structure that resembles a "sealed" or "important" object (similar to the top of 書, "to write"). The "hand" at the bottom is still present, though stylized. The core idea shifted from the physical act of capturing to the abstract "affair" or "matter" that is being handled or has occurred.
Philosophical and Linguistic Connection:
In Japanese, "事 (koto)" is profoundly important as it represents abstract, intangible things, as opposed to "物 (mono)," which refers to physical objects. This distinction is central to Japanese thought.
言葉 (ことば / kotoba) - Language (The "leaf" of koto; the manifestation of abstract thought).
仕事 (しごと / shigoto) - Work (The "doing" of an abstract koto/affair).
The character embodies the concept that human life is composed of "affairs" and "events" that we "handle," moving from the ancient context of official duty to the general events of everyday life.
Summary
The kanji 事 is a character of great depth. It began as a symbol of recording official affairs and, over 3,000 years, evolved into the primary symbol for abstract matters and events. Mastering its stroke order is a vital part of Japanese kanji writing, as its structure reinforces key compositional patterns. Understanding its history—from a hand holding a recorder of events to the modern symbol for "thing"—transforms the process of learning kanji from rote memorization into an appreciation of how writing captures the evolution of human thought and social organization.