The Kanji: 言 (Iu / Gen) - The "Say" Kanji
The kanji 言 is a foundational character that represents the concept of speech, words, and saying. It forms the basis for hundreds of words related to language and communication.
1. Meaning and Usage
Core Meanings: To say; to speak; word; speech.
Readings:
Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): い.う (iu), こと (koto)
On'yomi (Chinese reading): ゲン (gen), ゴン (gon)
Common Words and Compounds:
言う (いう / iu) - To say; to tell.
言語 (げんご / gengo) - Language.
言葉 (ことば / kotoba) - Word; language (uses the reading "koto").
宣言 (せんげん / sengen) - Declaration; proclamation.
一言 (ひとこと / hitokoto) - A single word; a brief comment.
2. Writing and Stroke Order: The Foundation of Speech
Mastering the correct kanji writing for "言" is crucial, as it is a common component (radical) in many other kanji.
Stroke Order:
Stroke 1: A right-dot. Start from the top.
Stroke 2: A long horizontal stroke from left to right, just below the dot.
Stroke 3: A second long horizontal stroke, parallel to and below the first one. These two top horizontals represent the initial sound or breath.
Stroke 4: A third long horizontal stroke, parallel to and below the second one. These three lines are the key identifying feature of this kanji.
Stroke 5: A vertical折 (or) stroke forming the "mouth" below. Start with a short horizontal line, then turn sharply downward, and finish with a final short horizontal line to close the bottom. This is the kanji 口 (kuchi - mouth) at the bottom.
Significance of Correct Kanji Writing:
Radical Recognition: "言" is the "speech" radical (ごんべん, gonben). When it appears on the left side of a character (e.g., 語, 説, 話), it narrows in width, and the three horizontal lines stack diagonally. Learning the standard form first is essential for recognizing its variants.
Balance: The three horizontal strokes at the top should be evenly spaced, with the middle one often being slightly shorter. The "mouth" (口) below should be centered and wide enough to feel stable.
Foundation for Complexity: This stroke order—top dot and horizontals first, then the bottom element—is a standard pattern that applies to many complex kanji.
3. Historical Origin and Evolution
The history of "言" beautifully illustrates the connection between sound, breath, and speech.
Oracle Bone Script (甲骨文字):
The original character was a vivid pictograph. It depicted a mouth (口) with a flute or a whistle (辛 or 干) protruding from it. The idea was not just a mouth for eating, but a mouth producing sound—specifically, the structured, intentional sound of speech or music. The flute symbolized the tongue or the vocal cords creating distinct sounds.
Bronze Script (金文) & Seal Script (篆書):
The form became more stylized. The "flute" element at the top evolved into a distinct shape that, over time, was simplified into the three horizontal lines we see today. The "mouth" (口) at the bottom remained clearly visible.
Modern Form (楷書):
The modern "言" is a clean abstraction. The intricate "flute" has been perfectly standardized into the three horizontal strokes and a dot, which can be interpreted as puffs of air or sound waves emanating from the mouth. The "口" (mouth) remains, solidifying the character's connection to the physical act of speaking.
Philosophical Connection:
In East Asian thought, words carry immense weight. The saying 「言行一致」 (genkō icchi) means "unity of speech and action," emphasizing that one's words and deeds should be the same. The character "言" itself, born from the image of creating sound, embodies the power and responsibility that comes with language.
Summary
The kanji 言 is far more than a symbol for "to say." It is a historical artifact that captures the very essence of human communication—the transformation of breath into meaningful sound. Mastering its stroke order is a fundamental step in Japanese kanji writing, as it opens the door to understanding a vast family of characters related to language. When you learn how to write kanji like "言," you are not just memorizing a character; you are learning the root of communication itself, a character whose form has echoed the connection between mouth and word for over 3,000 years.