Meaning
The kanji 典 is a versatile character with core meanings centered on 'ceremony,' 'code,' 'classic,' 'rule,' 'precedent,' and 'model.' Essentially, it signifies something established, authoritative, and exemplary, often holding historical or foundational importance. It can refer to a standard, a canon, or a set of established customs and laws that guide behavior or define a field.
The origin of 典 points to a strong connection with written records and established practices. Etymologically, 典 is believed to be an ideograph. The top part, 八, is often interpreted as representing a 'stand' or a 'table.' The bottom part, 廾, often resembles two hands joined, or an ancient form of a book or document. It is believed to depict 'two hands holding something' or 'a stack of bamboo slips/books.' This visual suggests the act of holding or presenting important documents, rules, or sacred texts on a stand.
Naturally, this visual representation connects to its meanings: the 'classics,' 'codes of conduct,' and 'rituals' that were formally recognized and passed down. The act of holding such a document signifies respect for established authority and tradition.
The kanji 典 has 8 strokes. In the Japanese education system, it is a 'Grade S' kanji, meaning it's taught in secondary school (junior high or high school) and is not assigned to a specific grade like elementary school kanji (grades 1 through 6). As an essential character for JLPT N1, it frequently appears in sophisticated and formal vocabulary.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary and virtually exclusive on'yomi reading for 典 is テン (ten). This reading is highly common and is used in nearly all compound words involving this kanji. It conveys meanings related to established rules, traditional practices, classic texts, or exemplary models.
- 辞典 (jiten) — dictionary. Here, 典 highlights the 'compilation' or 'reference' aspect, as a dictionary is a standard reference for words.
- 古典 (koten) — classic (literature, art, music). In this case, 典 directly means 'classic' or 'canonical work,' referring to works of lasting artistic or literary merit.
- 祭典 (saiten) — festival, celebration, ceremony. This example emphasizes the 'ceremony' or 'ritual' meaning, often referring to large-scale public events.
- 典型 (tenkei) — model, pattern, type. Here, 典 refers to an 'exemplary' or 'standard' form.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 典 does not have any commonly used native Japanese (kun'yomi) readings. While some archaic or very specific usages might exist (for example, related to the verb てんじる 'tenjiru,' meaning 'to compile,' or のり 'nori,' meaning 'law/rule'), these are not part of general vocabulary. You won't learn them for the JLPT. Therefore, when you see 典 in a compound word, you should almost always expect its on'yomi reading, テン.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 典 appears in many important and frequently used words, often related to established systems, cultural heritage, and formal events. Below are some key compounds, categorized to help you understand them better:
Reference & Classics
- 辞典 (jiten) — dictionary. A book of compiled words and their meanings, a standard reference.
- 百科事典 (hyakka jiten) — encyclopedia. A comprehensive compilation of knowledge.
- 古典 (koten) — classic (literature, art, music). Works of enduring significance.
- 聖典 (seiten) — sacred book, scripture. Texts considered holy or divinely inspired.
- 教典 (kyōten) — sacred text, scripture, canon. Canonical texts of a religion or doctrine.
- 出典 (shutten) — source (of a quotation, information). Where information or a statement originates from, often a classic or authoritative text.
Ceremonies & Customs
- 式典 (shikiten) — ceremony, ritual. A formal public or religious event.
- 祭典 (saiten) — festival, celebration. A festive occasion, often with religious or cultural significance.
- 祝典 (shukuten) — celebration, congratulatory ceremony. An event to celebrate something joyous.
- 典礼 (tenrei) — ritual, ceremony, liturgy. The prescribed form for a religious or public ceremony.
Models & Rules
- 典型 (tenkei) — model, pattern, type. An exemplary or standard representation of something.
- 典型的な (tenkei-teki na) — typical, characteristic. Describing something that fits a model or type perfectly.
- 典雅 (tenga) — elegant, graceful. Describing something that follows classical standards of beauty and refinement.
Example Sentences
この辞書は日本語学習者にとっての必携の典です。
Kono jisho wa Nihongo gakushūsha ni totte no hikkei no ten desu.
This dictionary is an essential reference for Japanese learners.
その祭典には大勢の人々が参加し、盛大に行われました。
Sono saiten ni wa oozeki no hitobito ga sanka shi, seidai ni okonawaremashita.
Many people participated in the festival, and it was held on a grand scale.
古典文学は時代を超えて読み継がれる貴重な典です。
Koten bungaku wa jidai o koete yomitsugareru kichō na ten desu.
Classical literature is a precious classic that is read across generations.
入学式は毎年執り行われる厳粛な式典です。
Nyūgaku-shiki wa mainen toriokonawareru genshuku na shikiten desu.
The entrance ceremony is a solemn ceremony held every year.
この建築物は、その時代の典型を示す例として評価されています。
Kono kenchikubutsu wa, sono jidai no tenkei o shimesu rei to shite hyōka sareteimasu.
This building is valued as a typical example of its era.
研究発表の際には、情報の出典を明確にする必要があります。
Kenkyū happō no sai ni wa, jōhō no shutten o meikaku ni suru hitsuyō ga arimasu.
When presenting research, it is necessary to clearly state the source of the information.
その作家は日本の古典文学に深く影響を受けています。
Sono sakka wa Nihon no koten bungaku ni fukaku eikyō o ukete imasu.
That author is deeply influenced by Japanese classical literature.
結婚式は人生における大切な典礼の一つです。
Kekkon-shiki wa jinsei ni okeru taisetsu na tenrei no hitotsu desu.
A wedding ceremony is one of the important rituals in life.
彼の発言は日本人の典型をよく表していると言えます。
Kare no hatsugen wa Nihonjin no tenkei o yoku arawashiteiru to iemasu.
His statement can be said to represent a typical Japanese person well.
Memory Tip
To remember 典, think of it as a book of "classical rules" or a "ceremonial guide" placed on a "stand." The top part, 八, looks like a simple stand or table. The bottom part, 廾, resembles two hands holding an old scroll or a stack of bamboo slips (an ancient form of a book). Imagine someone respectfully placing a revered book of classic laws or ceremonial procedures on a stand. This visual helps link the components to the core meanings of 'classic,' 'rule,' and 'ceremony' – something established, important, and worthy of display and adherence.