Meaning
The kanji 括 (katsu, kukuru) primarily means “to enclose,” “to bind,” “to tie up,” “to summarize,” or “to lump together.” Essentially, it describes the act of bringing things into a contained or consolidated state. Whether physically tying something with a rope or mentally grouping ideas into a summary, 括 conveys collection and containment.
Its etymology combines compelling components. The left radical, 扌 (てへん, tehen), is a variant of 手 (te), meaning “hand.” This hand radical clearly suggests actions performed with the hands, such as tying, holding, or manipulating. The right part, 舌 (shita), typically means “tongue.” While it primarily functions as a phonetic component, lending its ancient Chinese pronunciation (similar to “katsu” or “guā”) to the character, we can also draw a conceptual connection. Just as the tongue is used to speak and express, it can also summarize or tie together thoughts into coherent speech. Thus, the kanji visually represents the act of binding or encapsulating, often through manual action, and conceptually extends to intellectual summarization.
This character has 9 strokes, giving it a balanced and concise appearance. Although it isn't assigned to a specific Japanese school grade, it is part of the Joyo kanji set and considered N1 level for the JLPT. Learning 括 is crucial for understanding advanced Japanese texts and expressing complex ideas related to consolidation and comprehensive understanding.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 括 is カツ (KATSU). You'll typically find this reading in compound words, especially those with a formal, abstract, or technical nuance. It often appears in terms related to concepts of inclusion, summarization, or comprehensive binding.
- 包括 (hōkatsu) — This compound means 'inclusion,' 'comprehension,' or 'embracing.' It refers to containing or covering a wide range of things or ideas. For instance, an agreement might 経済活動を包括する (keizai katsudō o hōkatsu suru - encompass economic activities). The adjective 包括的 (hōkatsuteki) means 'comprehensive.'
- 概括 (gaikatsu) — Meaning 'summary' or 'generalization,' this word refers to concisely stating the main points or features of something. It's often used in academic or formal contexts when giving an overview of a topic.
- 総括 (sōkatsu) — This term signifies a 'general summary,' 'overall review,' or 'synthesis.' It implies bringing together all parts or aspects to form a complete picture or conclusion, often conducted at the end of a project or discussion.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi for 括 is くくる (kukuru). This versatile native Japanese verb means 'to tie up,' 'to bind,' 'to fasten,' 'to summarize,' or 'to lump together.' It describes actions performed with both physical objects and abstract concepts.
- 括る (kukuru) — This verb is used for physically tying or binding things. For example, you might 荷物を括る (nimotsu o kukuru - to tie up luggage). It can also mean to group things or summarize information, like 意見を括る (iken o kukuru - to summarize opinions).
- 髪を括る (kami o kukuru) — A common everyday usage, meaning 'to tie up one's hair,' often into a ponytail or bun. This clearly demonstrates the physical binding aspect of the verb.
- 問題を括る (mondai o kukuru) — This figurative usage means 'to summarize a problem' or 'to put a problem in a nutshell.' It conveys the idea of concisely formulating an issue, showcasing the verb's conceptual breadth.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 括 appears in many useful compounds, from everyday terms to more formal and technical vocabulary. Understanding these words will significantly improve your grasp of N1-level Japanese.
Concepts of Inclusion & Comprehensiveness
- 包括的 (hōkatsuteki) — comprehensive, inclusive. Example: 包括的なアプローチ (a comprehensive approach).
- 括弧 (kakko) — parentheses, brackets. This is a very common word, literally meaning "binding arcs" or "enclosing arcs."
- 括目 (katsumoku) — to watch with keen interest, to pay close attention. Often used figuratively when anticipating significant change or development.
Actions of Summarizing & Grouping
- 一括 (ikkatsu) — all at once, lump sum, batch. This is frequently used in business contexts. Example: 一括払い (ikkatsubarai) — lump-sum payment.
- 総括表 (sōkatsu-hyō) — summary table, overall table. Used for financial reports or project summaries.
- 概括的 (gaikatsuteki) — general, summarized, outline. Used to describe something in a broad, summary fashion, e.g., 概括的な説明 (a general explanation).
- 取り括り (torikukuri) — summary, compilation. Often used in official documents or reports, such as 会議の取り括り (a summary of the meeting).
Verbs & Related Actions
- 括れる (kukureru) — to be tied, to be bound, to be bundled. This is the potential/passive form of 括る.
- 括りつける (kukuritsukeru) — to tie something onto something else. Example: 船を岸に括りつける (fune o kishi ni kukuritsukeru - to tie a boat to the shore).
- 縛り括る (shibarikukuru) — to tie up tightly, to bind securely. A more emphatic form of binding than just 括る.
- 括り目 (kukurime) — a knot, a tie. Refers to the point where something is tied or gathered.
Example Sentences
この報告書は、複雑な情報を簡潔に括っている。
Kono hōkokusho wa, fukuzatsu na jōhō o kanketsu ni kukutte iru.
This report concisely summarizes complex information.
髪をしっかり括って、運動に備えましょう。
Kami o shikkari kukutte, undō ni sonaemashō.
Let's tie up our hair tightly and get ready for exercise.
プロジェクトの総括は、来週の会議で行われます。
Purojekuto no sōkatsu wa, raishū no kaigi de okonawaremasu.
The overall summary of the project will be presented at next week's meeting.
全費用を一括で支払うことにしました。
Zen hiyō o ikkatsu de shiharau koto ni shimashita.
I decided to pay all expenses in a lump sum.
この理論は、複数の概念を包括しています。
Kono riron wa, fukusū no gainen o hōkatsu shite imasu.
This theory comprehensively encompasses multiple concepts.
重要な点を括弧で囲んでください。
Jūyō na ten o kakko de kakonde kudasai.
Please enclose the important points in parentheses.
その事件の概括を聞いて、全容が掴めました。
Sono jiken no gaikatsu o kiite, zenyō ga tsukamemashita.
After hearing the summary of the incident, I grasped the whole picture.
彼の動向には括目すべきものがあります。
Kare no dōkō ni wa katsumoku subeki mono ga arimasu.
His movements are something to watch with keen interest.
これらの問題を一括して解決する必要がある。
Korera no mondai o ikkatsu shite kaiketsu suru hitsuyō ga aru.
It is necessary to resolve these problems all at once.
Memory Tip
To help remember 括, consider its two main components: the hand radical (扌) on the left and 舌 (tongue) on the right. Visualize using your hands (扌) to physically tie up or bind something, like a bundle of sticks. Then, imagine your tongue (舌) being used to summarize or "tie together" complex ideas into a concise statement. The 舌 component also acts as the phonetic element for the On'yomi, カツ. So, 括 brings together the idea of using your hands to bind and your tongue to summarize, both actions of enclosing or consolidating.