Meaning
The kanji 射 (sha, i.ru) primarily means 'to shoot,' 'to emit,' 'to project,' or 'to discharge.' It describes the action of sending something out forcefully and directly, much like an arrow from a bow or a beam of light. This kanji is strongly associated with concepts of precision, force, and directed movement.
Historically, the character 射 offers an interesting look at pictographic and ideographic evolution. Its ancient forms clearly show a hand drawing a bow with an arrow ready to fire. The left part, which somewhat resembles ⾝ (body or arrow's shaft), depicts the arrow or the body's posture when shooting. The right part, 寸 (which can mean 'inch' but here illustrates a hand or a specific action), represents the hand pulling the bowstring. Together, these elements visually convey the act of shooting. Although the form has been simplified over time, its core meaning remains consistently linked to this original imagery of archery.
Beyond literal shooting, 射 also extends to more abstract ideas. It can refer to emitting light, as in 放射 (hōsha, radiation), projecting thoughts, or even injecting a substance, as in 注射 (chūsha). Essentially, it signifies the forceful expulsion or direction of energy or matter from a source. Its visual structure, particularly the strong, straight line implicit in the 'arrow' component, hints at this directedness. This kanji has 10 strokes and is a Jouyou kanji, typically learned at the N1 JLPT level, indicating its common use in advanced Japanese vocabulary.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 射 is シャ (SHA). This reading often appears in compound words, especially those with a formal, technical, or abstract meaning related to shooting, emission, photography, and medical procedures.
- 発射 (hassha) — launch; fire (a projectile/rocket). This refers to forcefully sending something off. For example, ロケットを発射する (roketto o hassha suru, to launch a rocket).
- 注射 (chūsha) — injection. Literally 'pour and shoot,' describing the act of injecting a liquid. For instance, 風邪の予防に注射を打つ (kaze no yobō ni chūsha o utsu, to get an injection to prevent a cold).
- 放射 (hōsha) — radiation; emission. This refers to the emission of energy or particles, such as heat or light. For example, 太陽から放射される熱 (taiyō kara hōsha sareru netsu, heat radiated from the sun).
- 撮影 (satsuei) — photographing; filming. Here, 射 contributes the sense of 'shooting' or 'capturing' an image. Think of 写真を撮影する (shashin o satsuei suru, to take a photo).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) for 射 are used when the kanji functions as a standalone verb or in native Japanese compound words. The most common Kun'yomi are い.る (i.ru), さ.す (sa.su), and う.つ (u.tsu).
い.る (i.ru): This is the most direct and common verb form, meaning 'to shoot (an arrow)' or 'to hit (a target).' It conveys precision and accuracy, often used in archery or figuratively for hitting the 'mark.'
矢を射る (ya o iru) — to shoot an arrow
的を射る (mato o iru) — to hit the target (literally or figuratively, like "hitting the nail on the head")
射手 (ite) — archer; shooter (combines 射 with 手, 'hand')
さ.す (sa.su): Less common than い.る, this reading is used in specific contexts, primarily to mean 'to shine' or 'to cast (light).' It implies light being directed or emitted onto a surface, often naturally.
光を射す (hikari o sasu) — to shine light (e.g., 月の光が窓から射す, tsuki no hikari ga mado kara sasu, moonlight shines in through the window)
日の光が射し込む (hi no hikari ga sashikomu) — sunlight streams in
う.つ (u.tsu): While more commonly associated with 撃つ (utsu) for shooting firearms, 射 can also take the reading う.つ when referring to shooting, especially with bows, or more generally to strike or fire. It emphasizes the action of propelling something.
弓を射つ (yumi o utsu) — to shoot a bow
弾丸を射つ (dangan o utsu) — to shoot a bullet (though 撃つ is more typical for this, especially with guns)
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 射 appears in a wide range of words and compounds, showcasing its varied meanings from literal shooting to figurative emission and projection. Here are some common examples, grouped by theme:
Archery and Shooting
- 射手 (ite) — An archer or shooter; literally 'shooting hand.'
- 射的 (shateki) — Target shooting; often seen at festivals or amusement parks, like a shooting gallery.
- 射程 (shatei) — Range (of fire); the distance a projectile can travel.
- 一射 (issha) — One shot (in archery); a single attempt to shoot an arrow.
Emission and Projection
- 放射線 (hōshasen) — Radiation; rays emitted from a source, such as X-rays.
- 反射 (hansha) — Reflection; the bouncing back of light, sound, or other phenomena.
- 注射器 (chūshaki) — Syringe; an instrument used for injecting.
- 発射台 (hasshadai) — Launch pad; a platform from which rockets or missiles are launched.
Figurative and Specialized Uses
- 射精 (shasei) — Ejaculation; the expulsion of semen.
- 射幸心 (shakōshin) — Speculative spirit; the desire to take risks for a quick profit, often implying a 'shot' at luck, as in gambling.
- 日射病 (nisshabyō) — Sunstroke; an illness caused by excessive exposure to the sun's rays.
- 撮影所 (satsueijo) — Film studio; a place where photography and filming take place.
Example Sentences
弓道家は正確に的を射た。
Kyūdōka wa seikaku ni mato o ita.
The archer accurately hit the target.
太陽の光が部屋に暖かく射し込んでいた。
Taiyō no hikari ga heya ni atatakaku sashikonde ita.
The sunlight was warmly streaming into the room.
新しいロケットが宇宙に向かって発射された。
Atarashii roketto ga uchū ni mukatte hassha sareta.
A new rocket was launched towards space.
医者は患者に鎮痛剤を注射した。
Isha wa kanja ni chintsūzai o chūsha shita.
The doctor gave the patient an injection of painkiller.
湖面に月の光が美しく反射していた。
Komen ni tsuki no hikari ga utsukushiku hansha shite ita.
The moonlight was beautifully reflected on the lake's surface.
彼の言葉は問題の核心を射ていた。
Kare no kotoba wa mondai no kakushin o ite ita.
His words hit the core of the problem.
紫外線は皮膚に悪影響を及ぼすため、日差しの強い日は注意が必要だ。
Shigaisen wa hifu ni akueikyō o oyobosu tame, hizashi no tsuyoi hi wa chūi ga hitsuyō da.
UV rays have a negative impact on the skin, so caution is needed on sunny days.
動物写真家は、野生動物の自然な姿を撮影するために数時間を費やした。
Dōbutsu shashinka wa, yasei dōbutsu no shizen na sugata o satsuei suru tame ni sūjikan o tsuiyashita.
The wildlife photographer spent several hours to photograph wild animals in their natural state.
彼は最新のゲームで、次々に敵を射撃して高得点を出した。
Kare wa saishin no gēmu de, tsugitsugi ni teki o shageki shite kōtokuten o dashita.
He scored high in the latest game by continuously shooting down enemies.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 射, think about its components: the left part, which resembles ⾝ (body or arrow shaft), and the right part, 寸 (which can represent a hand or a small, precise measurement). Imagine a body (身) holding a bow, with a hand (寸) pulling back the string precisely to shoot an arrow. This image of an archer, ready to fire with precision and force, helps embody the meaning of 'shooting' or 'emitting.' Alternatively, consider the left side as an arrow and the right side (寸) as a target or the 'point' of the shot. An arrow (身) hitting a point (寸) clearly illustrates the act of shooting.