Meaning
The N1 kanji 履 (リ, はく) carries a range of meanings, most of which relate to actions involving the feet or a journey taken. Its most common meaning in modern Japanese is 'to wear (footwear, trousers, skirts)', as well as 'footwear' itself.
Beyond this concrete usage, 履 also encompasses more abstract ideas. These include 'to tread' or 'to step on,' which naturally extend to concepts like 'accomplishing' or 'fulfilling' a duty. The kanji can also refer to 'following' a path or even the 'history' or 'record' of one's journey or actions. An example of this is 履歴 (rireki), meaning 'personal history'.
The kanji 履 is visually composed of two main parts: the radical 尸 (しかばね), often associated with a person or body, and 复 (ふく). While 复 can suggest 'to repeat' or 'to return,' it also visually contains elements related to 'foot' or 'movement,' linking to the kanji 夂 (ふゆがしら), which means 'to go' or 'to walk'. Historically, the character evolved to depict a foot (止) under a covering, or a person walking. Together, the 'person' (尸) and 'stepping/going' (复) components effectively illustrate the act of putting something on one's feet. This connection helps explain meanings like 'wearing shoes' or 'treading'. This visual aid helps in understanding its fundamental meanings.
This kanji has 15 strokes, making it a moderately complex character to write. It is a Joyo Kanji, meaning it is officially designated for daily use, though it is considered an advanced character often encountered in junior high or higher education. Although not taught in elementary school (Grades 1-6), 履 is crucial for comprehending higher-level Japanese vocabulary.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi reading for 履 is リ (RI). You'll typically find this reading in compound words, where 履 often conveys a more formal or abstract sense related to history, fulfillment, or actions.
- 履歴 (rireki) — Personal history; career history; resume. This is a very common term, especially when applying for jobs or detailing one's past experiences.
- 履行 (rikou) — Fulfillment; performance (of a contract, duty, promise). This term emphasizes the act of carrying out an obligation as agreed upon.
- 履修 (rishuu) — Taking a course; completing a course. Often used in academic contexts to describe the enrollment and completion of specific subjects or modules.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main kun'yomi reading for 履 is は.く (haku), which is used as a verb. It specifically means 'to wear' items below the waist, such as shoes, trousers, skirts, or socks. This is distinct from 'きる' (kiru) which is used for items worn on the upper body, and 'かぶる' (kaburu) for headwear.
- 履く (haku) — To wear (shoes, trousers, skirts, socks). This is the most frequently encountered usage of the kanji 履 as a verb.
- 靴を履く (kutsu o haku) — To wear shoes. A direct and common application of the verb.
- ズボンを履く (zubon o haku) — To wear trousers. Demonstrates its use for lower-body garments.
Another kun'yomi reading is ふ.む (fumu), meaning 'to step on' or 'to tread'. While this reading exists, it is far less common for 履 in modern Japanese, with the kanji 踏 (ふむ) almost exclusively used for this meaning. When 履む is rarely encountered, it might convey a more nuanced sense of 'following a path' or 'executing' in a classical context.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 履 is part of many common words, showcasing its diverse meanings. Below are some key compounds, grouped by their primary themes:
Footwear & Wearing
- 履物 (hakimono) — Footwear. A general term encompassing shoes, sandals, geta, etc.
- 上履き (uwabaki) — Indoor shoes; slippers. Commonly used in schools and some workplaces for designated indoor footwear.
- 下履き (shitabaki) — Outdoor shoes. Used in contrast to indoor shoes, referring to the footwear one wears outside.
- 履き替え (hakikae) — Changing shoes. The act of swapping one pair of shoes for another, often when entering a building.
- 草履 (zōri) — Japanese sandals made of straw or other materials, traditionally worn with kimonos.
History & Records
- 履歴 (rireki) — Personal history; career history; resume. A crucial term for job applications and personal records.
- 履歴書 (rirekisho) — Resume; curriculum vitae (CV). The document detailing one's personal and professional history.
- 学歴 (gakureki) — Academic background; educational history. Refers to one's schooling and qualifications.
- 職歴 (shokureki) — Work history; employment record. Details past jobs and professional experience.
Fulfillment & Performance
- 履行 (rikou) — Fulfillment; performance (of a contract, duty, promise). The act of carrying out an obligation.
- 履修 (rishuu) — Completion of a course; taking a course. Pertains to academic studies and fulfilling course requirements.
- 履践 (risen) — Practice; execution; fulfillment. A more formal or classical term for putting something into practice.
Example Sentences
新しい靴を履くと、気分が上がります。
Atarashii kutsu o haku to, kibun ga agarimasu.
When I wear new shoes, my mood improves.
入社の際に履歴書を提出しました。
Nyūsha no sai ni rirekisho o teishutsu shimashita.
I submitted my resume when I joined the company.
この契約は早急に履行する必要があります。
Kono keiyaku wa sōkyū ni rikō suru hitsuyō ga arimasu.
This contract needs to be fulfilled urgently.
大学で専門科目を履修しています。
Daigaku de senmon kamoku o rishū shiteimasu.
I am taking specialized courses at university.
履物は玄関で脱いでください。
Hakimono wa genkan de nuide kudasai.
Please take off your footwear at the entrance.
彼の職歴は多岐にわたっています。
Kare no shokureki wa taki ni watatteimasu.
His work history spans a wide range of fields.
この道は昔、多くの人が履み行った古道です。
Kono michi wa mukashi, ooku no hito ga fumiitta kodō desu.
This road is an ancient path many people trod long ago.
契約の内容を厳しく履践することが求められます。
Keiyaku no naiyō o kibishiku risen suru koto ga motomeraremasu.
Strict adherence to the contract's terms is required.
日本では、家の中で上履きを履くのが一般的です。
Nihon de wa, ie no naka de uwabaki o haku no ga ippanteki desu.
In Japan, it is common to wear indoor shoes inside the house.
Memory Tip
To remember 履, think about its components: 尸 (person) and 复 (stepping/return, implying feet or movement). Imagine a person (尸) stepping or putting their foot down (复) to wear shoes. This kanji clearly depicts a person performing an action with their feet. You can visualize a person carefully placing their foot into a shoe, symbolizing 'to wear footwear'. This action of stepping or walking also brings to mind leaving a 'history' or a 'path'. This connection helps link it to meanings like 'personal history' or 'fulfillment' of a duty. So, a 'person' (尸) 'stepping' (复) either 'wears shoes' or 'leaves a historical path'.