且 — Moreover, Furthermore

The kanji 且 (katsu) primarily means 'moreover,' 'furthermore,' 'also,' or 'and.' It functions as a conjunction or an adverb, connecting ideas, adding emphasis, or indicating concurrent events. In modern Japanese, you'll often encounter its usage in formal or literary contexts, making it an essential character for N1 learners aiming for advanced comprehension.

The origin of 且 is quite interesting. Etymologically, it's considered a pictograph or ideograph, with early forms resembling a stand, altar, or even a table. While some theories propose it depicted a wooden stand or a phallic symbol, the most widely accepted and practical interpretation for learners is that of a stand or altar. Over time, the character's meaning evolved from a physical object to an abstract concept of addition or simultaneity. This transformation likely stemmed from the idea of 'placing on' or 'adding to' something else, eventually leading to its conjunctive meaning of 'moreover' or 'and.'

Visually, 且 is a relatively simple character, composed of five strokes. It features two horizontal lines, a vertical stroke piercing the upper two, and a final horizontal stroke at the bottom. This simple, somewhat layered structure can be conceptually linked to its meaning of adding information—picture stacking one piece of information upon another. Despite this visual simplicity, its N1 classification highlights its nuanced and formal usage in advanced Japanese contexts.

Interestingly, 且 is not part of the elementary school (Kyoiku) kanji grades. Instead, it's designated as a Jōyō Kanji, signifying its importance in general Japanese usage, especially in formal writing. Its low stroke count often belies its advanced application.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

The On'yomi readings for 且 are ショsho and ソso. It's crucial for learners to understand that while dictionaries technically list these readings for 且, they are exceedingly rare when the kanji is used independently in modern Japanese compounds. Its primary function, in terms of On'yomi, is often as a phonetic component within other kanji, lending its sound to characters like 助ジョ (jo, help) or 租ソ (so, tax). When 且 appears alone, you will almost never encounter these On'yomi readings.

For examples of these readings, we turn to archaic or very literary Chinese-derived terms where 且 historically took these sounds. These aren't common vocabulary in contemporary Japanese but serve to illustrate the historical On'yomi.

且止ショシ (shoshi) — meaning 'to stop for a while' or 'to temporarily halt' (extremely rare, literary/archaic).
且如ショニョ (shonyo) — meaning 'like that,' 'as such,' or 'as follows' (extremely rare, literary/archaic).
且作ソサク (sosaku) — meaning 'to temporarily make' or 'to create for a while' (extremely rare, literary/archaic).

Again, it's important to emphasize that these examples are not part of common modern Japanese vocabulary. They are provided strictly to demonstrate the listed On'yomi readings within a historical or highly specialized context.

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

The most important, and practically only, modern reading for 且 when it appears alone is 且つかつ (katsu). This reading is frequently encountered and is essential for N1 learners. It functions as a conjunction or an adverb, similar to 'moreover,' 'furthermore,' 'at the same time,' or 'and also.' You'll find it used to connect clauses, add additional conditions, or emphasize concurrent states or actions, often in formal writing, speeches, or literary contexts.

且つかつ (katsu) — moreover, at the same time, furthermore, and also.

Example: 彼かれは賢かしこく、且つかつ勇敢ゆうかんである。(He is smart, and also brave.)

且つかつまた (katsu mata) — moreover, furthermore, in addition.

Example: 彼かれは才能さいのうがあり、且つかつまた努力どりょくを怠おこたらない。(He is talented, and furthermore, he doesn't neglect effort.)

且つかつ〜且つかつ〜 (katsu~~katsu~~) — both ~ and ~; simultaneously ~ and ~.

Example: 彼かれは且つかつ強つよく且つかつ優やさしい人ひとだ。(He is a person who is both strong and kind.)

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 且, especially with its reading 且つかつ, is predominantly used in formal or literary contexts. It expresses addition, simultaneity, or emphasis. Below, you'll find common words and phrases featuring 且, grouped by their function.

Conjunctive and Adverbial Expressions

且つかつ (katsu) — This is the most direct and frequent usage. It acts as a conjunctive adverb meaning 'moreover,' 'furthermore,' 'at the same time,' or 'and also.' It connects phrases or clauses, indicating an additional aspect or concurrent state.
且つかつまた (katsu mata) — A slightly more emphatic or formal version of 且つかつ, reinforcing the meaning of 'moreover' or 'furthermore.'
且つかつ〜且つかつ〜 (katsu~~katsu~~) — A pattern used to emphasize that two qualities or actions occur simultaneously or are both true. For example, 且つかつ強つよく且つかつ美うつくしい (katsu tsuyoku katsu utsukushii) means 'both strong and beautiful.'
且かつて (katsu te) — This compound carries a different meaning, 'formerly' or 'once upon a time.' It is a common adverb used to refer to past events or states.

Formal and Literary Compounds

While less common in everyday conversation, 且 also appears in various literary and historical compounds. It often retains its sense of 'moreover' or 'temporarily.'

兼けん且かつ (kenkatsu / kanekatsu) — This refers to doing two things concurrently or having two roles simultaneously. It implies a 'dual purpose' or 'simultaneous' action, and is a very formal or archaic term.
尚なお且かつ (naokatsu) — 'Still more,' 'furthermore,' or 'yet more.' Used to add emphasis to an existing statement, indicating an even greater degree or additional point.
仮かり且かつ (karikatsu) — 'Temporary,' 'for the time being.' A highly specialized and rare term, often found in older legal or philosophical texts.
暫しばら且かつ (shibarakatsu) — 'For a while,' 'temporarily.' Similar to 仮かり且かつ but also very uncommon in modern usage.
且かつ然しかり (katsushikari) — An archaic expression meaning 'so it is,' 'moreover so,' or 'it is indeed so.' Often found in classical Japanese literature.
亦また且かつ (matakatsu) — Another way to express 'also' or 'moreover,' similar to 且つかつまた, but more formal/archaic.

Mastering these compounds and their nuances will greatly enhance your ability to understand advanced Japanese texts and formal discourse.

Example Sentences

彼かれは頭あたまが良よく、且つかつ勤勉きんべんだ。

Kare wa atama ga yoku, katsu kinben da.

He is smart, and moreover, diligent.

この企画きかくは斬新ざんしんで、且つかつ実現じつげん可能かのうである。

Kono kikaku wa zanshin de, katsu jitsugen kanō de aru.

This plan is innovative, and furthermore, feasible.

環境かんきょう保護ほごは重要じゅうようであり、且つかつ急務きゅうむでもある。

Kankyō hogo wa jūyō de ari, katsu kyūmu demo aru.

Environmental protection is important, and also an urgent task.

昔むかしは且かつて、この丘おかの上うえに古ふるい城しろがあった。

Mukashi wa katsu te, kono oka no ue ni furui shiro ga atta.

Formerly, there was an old castle on top of this hill.

その製品せいひんは多機能たきのうで、且つかつ使つかいやすいと評判ひょうばんだ。

Sono seihen wa takinō de, katsu tsukaiyasui to hyōban da.

That product is multi-functional, and moreover, reputed to be easy to use.

彼かれの意見いけんは論理ろんり的てきで、且つかつ説得せっとく力りょくがあった。

Kare no iken wa ronriteki de, katsu settokuryoku ga atta.

His opinion was logical, and furthermore, persuasive.

会議かいぎは順調じゅんちょうに進すすみ、且つかつ重要じゅうような決定けっていがなされた。

Kaigi wa junchō ni susumi, katsu jūyō na kettei ga nasareta.

The meeting progressed smoothly, and moreover, important decisions were made.

彼かれは芸術げいじゅつを愛あいし、且つかつ自みずからも創作そうさくに励はげんでいる。

Kare wa geijutsu o aishi, katsu mizukara mo sōsaku ni hageminde iru.

He loves art, and moreover, he himself strives in creative work.

我々われわれは現状げんじょうを分析ぶんせきし、且つかつ未来みらいへの戦略せんりゃくを練ねる必要ひつようがある。

Wareware wa genjō o bunseki shi, katsu mirai e no senryaku o neru hitsuyō ga aru.

We need to analyze the current situation, and furthermore, devise strategies for the future.

このこの書物しょもつは古ふるく、且つかつ貴重きちょうな歴史れきし的てき資料しりょうとして評価ひょうかされている。

Kono shomotsu wa furuku, katsu kichō na rekishiteki shiryō to shite hyōka sarete iru.

This book is old, and moreover, it is valued as a precious historical document.

Memory Tip

To remember the kanji 且, visualize its simple structure. Picture a small, flat table or a stand with a top surface, a base, and a central support. Now, imagine placing one item on this stand, and then moreover, adding another item right next to it, or even stacking it on top. This act of 'adding' or 'placing more' directly connects to 且's meaning of 'moreover,' 'furthermore,' or 'and also.' Think of it as a platform where you continually add information or items. The two horizontal lines could represent separate pieces of information, with the vertical line signifying their connection or combined consideration. This mnemonic effectively reinforces the idea of extending or adding to what is already present.