Meaning
The kanji 卓 (たく) is an N1 character with a flexible range of meanings. Its primary senses include "table," "eminent," "superb," or "stand." While commonly used in modern Japanese for words related to tables or desktops, its deeper etymological roots highlight qualities of being outstanding or superior.
Historically, 卓 is thought to be an ideograph. It depicts a person standing prominently on a pedestal or stand. The upper part, 卜 (boku), originally represented a divination crack or a stick pointing upwards, conveying height or projection. The lower part, 卩 (setsu or fushizukuri), often depicts a kneeling person or a section/seal. However, in this context, it likely signifies the base or stand upon which something or someone is elevated.
This visual combination vividly illustrates the core idea of something being "high," "outstanding," or "surpassing others." Over time, the meaning broadened to include a "stand" or "table" due to its elevated surface. Therefore, when you encounter 卓, you can think of something that stands tall. This could be a physical object like a table or, metaphorically, an individual or quality that is eminent and superior. It's a powerful kanji that conveys excellence and prominence.
This kanji is composed of 8 strokes and is a Jōyō Kanji. It's typically learned at an advanced level, corresponding to JLPT N1.
Readings
In modern Japanese, the kanji 卓 primarily uses its on'yomi reading. While its etymological roots suggest a more pictorial origin, its contemporary usage is almost exclusively within compound words.
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The only common on'yomi for 卓 is タク (TAKU). This reading is highly versatile and appears in a wide array of words, from everyday objects to abstract concepts of excellence. When you see 卓, you can almost always expect the タク reading.
卓上 (takujō) — This term refers to "on the table" or "desktop." It's used for items designed to be placed on a table, like a 卓上カレンダー (takujō karendā - desk calendar) or a 卓上ライト (takujō raito - small desk lamp).
卓球 (takkyū) — One of the most common and recognizable words using 卓. This literally means "table ball" and refers to "table tennis" or "ping-pong."
卓抜 (takubatsu) — This word describes "preeminence" or "superiority." It signifies being outstanding and surpassing others in quality or skill, such as 卓抜した才能 (takubatsu shita sainō - preeminent talent).
卓越 (takuetsu) — Similar to 卓抜, 卓越 means "excellence" or "superiority." It's often used to commend someone’s exceptional talent or achievement, for instance, 卓越したリーダーシップ (takuetsu shita rīdāshippu - excellent leadership).
食卓 (shokutaku) — A very common word, meaning "dining table." Here, 卓 clearly functions with its "table" meaning, combined with 食 (food).
卓見 (takuken) — This refers to a "brilliant idea" or "penetrating insight." It highlights the "eminent" or "superior" aspect of the kanji in intellectual contexts, as in 卓見を述べる (takuken o noberu - to offer a brilliant insight).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Unlike many kanji, 卓 does not have any commonly used native Japanese (kun'yomi) readings in contemporary language. While historical or archaic usages might exist, learners should focus solely on its on'yomi, タク. This is the only reading you will encounter in everyday Japanese contexts and JLPT examinations.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 卓 (たく) is a common component in many Japanese words, reflecting its core meanings of "table" and "excellence." Here are some important compounds, categorized to help you understand their nuances.
Words related to Tables and Stands:
卓上 (takujō) — This term literally means "on the table" or "desktop." It's frequently used as a prefix for items designed to be placed on a desk or table, such as 卓上カレンダー (takujō karendā - desk calendar) or 卓上ライト (takujō raito - desk lamp).
食卓 (shokutaku) — A fundamental word for "dining table." This is where families gather to eat meals.
座卓 (zataku) — Refers to a "low table" typically used in traditional Japanese-style rooms where people sit on the floor.
卓球 (takkyū) — The widely known sport of "table tennis" or "ping-pong." A clear example of 卓 meaning "table."
Words conveying Excellence and Superiority:
卓越 (takuetsu) — Meaning "excellence," "superiority," or "preeminence." This word describes someone or something that stands out exceptionally, for example, 彼の卓越した語学力 (kare no takuetsu shita gogakuryoku - his excellent language skills).
卓抜 (takubatsu) — Similar to 卓越, it also means "preeminence" or "superiority." It often suggests a striking and noticeable quality of being far above average, such as 卓抜した論理 (takubatsu shita ronri - preeminent logic).
卓見 (takuken) — A "brilliant idea" or "penetrating insight." This term is used when someone offers a particularly insightful or wise opinion during a discussion.
卓説 (takusetsu) — Refers to an "excellent theory" or a "brilliant argument." It highlights the outstanding quality of a spoken or written proposition, often in academic contexts.
卓識 (takushiki) — Meaning "profound knowledge" or "keen discernment." This describes a person with exceptional understanding and insight, someone who can grasp the essence of complex matters.
卓絶 (takuzetsu) — Expressing "supremacy" or "unrivalled excellence." It conveys a sense of being unmatched in quality or achievement, like 卓絶した美しさ (takuzetsu shita utsukushisa - unrivaled beauty).
As these examples show, 卓 can apply to both concrete objects and abstract qualities, making it a versatile and sophisticated kanji to learn.
Example Sentences
Let's see 卓 used in practical example sentences. Notice how it appears in various contexts, from daily life to more academic or formal expressions.
卓球は年齢を問わず楽しめるスポーツです。
Takkyū wa nenrei o towazu tanoshimeru supōtsu desu.
Table tennis is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
この卓上時計はデザインも機能も優れていますね。
Kono takujō tokei wa dezain mo kinō mo sugurete imasu ne.
This desk clock is excellent in both design and functionality, isn't it?
家族みんなで食卓を囲んで、温かい夕食を食べました。
Kazoku minna de shokutaku o kakonde, atatakai yūshoku o tabemashita.
The whole family gathered around the dining table and had a warm dinner.
彼の研究は学界で卓越した評価を得ています。
Kare no kenkyū wa gakkai de takuetsu shita hyōka o ete imasu.
His research has received excellent evaluations in academia.
彼女の発言にはいつも卓見があり、皆を納得させます。
Kanojo no hatsugen ni wa itsumo takuken ga ari, mina o nattoku sasemasu.
Her statements always contain brilliant insights, convincing everyone.
会議室には複数の会議卓が設置されています。
Kaigishitsu ni wa fukusū no kaigitaku ga setchi sarete imasu.
Several conference tables are set up in the meeting room.
彼の提案は卓抜なアイデアで満ちており、注目を集めました。
Kare no teian wa takubatsu na aidea de michite ori, chūmoku o atsumemashita.
His proposal was filled with preeminent ideas and garnered significant attention.
その画家の作品は、時代を超えた卓絶した美しさがある。
Sono gaka no sakuhin wa, jidai o koeta takuzetsu shita utsukushisa ga aru.
The artist's work possesses an unrivaled beauty that transcends time.
指導者には物事の本質を見抜く卓識が求められます。
Shidōsha ni wa monogoto no honshitsu o minuku takushiki ga motomeraremasu.
Leaders are required to possess profound knowledge to discern the essence of things.
Memory Tip
To remember 卓, visualize its components and connect them to its meanings. Imagine the top component, 卜 (boku), as a small stick or pointer standing upright. Picture this stick proudly standing on a base or platform, represented by the lower component, 卩 (setsu or fushizukuri). While 卩 can relate to a kneeling person or a seal, here, think of it simply as a sturdy base.
This image of a "stick" standing "up" on a "base" directly relates to the meaning of "stand" or "table." Additionally, consider this stick to be so perfectly upright and prominent that it signifies something "outstanding" or "eminent." You can visualize a "superb table" (卓) where everything on it is "top-notch" or "excellent." This helps link both the physical (table) and abstract (excellence) meanings.