Meaning
Ready to explore an N1 kanji? Today, we're diving into 排 (hai). This kanji is quite versatile, but its core meanings revolve around the ideas of “to push away,” “to exclude,” “to discharge,” or “to repel.” Think of it as a forceful action of moving something away from oneself, out of a system, or from a specific place. It often implies getting rid of something unwanted, unnecessary, or harmful. However, it can also refer to things simply being sent out, like gas or waste.
Let's uncover the fascinating origin of 排! The kanji 排 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字, keisei moji). Its components cleverly combine both visually and semantically to form its meaning. On the left side, we have 扌 (tehen), which is the radical for “hand.” This immediately gives us a clue that the kanji often involves an action performed with the hand or a hand-like force. On the right side, you'll find 非 (hi), which typically means “not,” “wrong,” or “negative.”
Putting these two together, picture using your “hand” (扌) to push away something that is “not” (非) good, wanted, or right. This perfectly illustrates the concept of pushing aside, rejecting, or expelling. Understanding its parts makes it a very logical and visually intuitive kanji!
This kanji has 11 strokes and is typically encountered by advanced learners aiming for the JLPT N1 level, indicating its importance in complex vocabulary.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 排 is ハイ (hai). This reading, ハイ (hai), is very common and forms the basis for many Japanese compound words. You'll encounter it particularly in terms related to pushing out, expelling, or even arranging.
排出 (haishutsu) — This means "discharge," "emission," or "expulsion." It's frequently used for things like waste, gas, or even data being sent out.
排気 (haiki) — Refers to "exhaust" or "ventilation." You'll hear this often in discussions about vehicle engines or air conditioning systems, meaning the expulsion of air or gas.
排水 (haisui) — Meaning "drainage" or "discharge of water." Essential for understanding terms related to plumbing or water management.
排除 (haijo) — This compound translates to "exclusion," "removal," or "elimination." It's used when actively getting rid of something unwanted or undesirable, like obstacles or discriminatory practices.
排他 (haita) — Means "exclusive" or "exclusiveness." It implies keeping others out or restricting access, often seen in phrases like 排他的経済水域 (exclusive economic zone).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
While you'll encounter its On'yomi compounds more frequently, 排 also has crucial native Japanese readings (Kun'yomi) that directly convey its core meanings.
排 (oshinokeru) — This verb literally means "to push aside," "to shove away," or "to push out of the way." It describes a very physical action of displacing something or someone.
Example: 人混みを排 (hitogomi o oshinokeru) — to push through a crowd.
Example: 邪魔者を排 (jamamono o oshinokeru) — to push away obstacles/intruders.
排 (haisuru) — This is a verb form derived from the On'yomi, often used formally to mean "to expel," "to reject," or "to exclude." It implies a broader, more abstract sense than おしのける. Although technically a suru verb from an On'yomi, its distinct usage pattern makes it feel like a specific kun'yomi for the action of rejection.
Example: 異論を排 (iron o haisuru) — to reject a different opinion.
Example: 無駄を排 (muda o haisuru) — to eliminate waste.
Common Words & Compounds
Let's expand our vocabulary further with more common words and compounds using 排. We'll organize them by their nuanced meanings. You'll find 排 popping up in various contexts, from environmental science to social issues.
Actions of Expulsion & Removal
排出物 (haishutsubutsu) — Waste matter, discharged material. Think of industrial byproducts or even bodily waste.
排泄 (haisetsu) — Excretion, discharge (specifically for bodily functions like urine or feces).
排煙 (haien) — Smoke exhaust, smoke extraction. Crucial for fire safety systems and industrial ventilation.
排土 (hado) — Removal of soil, excavation. Common in construction and civil engineering.
排気量 (haikiryō) — Engine displacement. This refers to the total volume of exhaust gas produced by an engine's cylinders, a key spec for vehicles.
Actions of Rejection & Exclusion
排斥 (haiseki) — Exclusion, rejection, ostracism. This term often carries a strong connotation of intentional and often discriminatory rejection, particularly in political or social spheres.
排外主義 (haigaishugi) — Exclusivism, xenophobia, anti-foreignism. A critical term for discussing societal attitudes towards outsiders.
排他的 (haitateki) — Exclusive (adjective), exclusionary. Describes something that is restricted to a select few, such as exclusive rights or an exclusive group.
Actions of Arrangement & Order
While 'to expel' is 排's dominant modern meaning, it can also refer to arranging or lining up in rows or series. This usage is less common in everyday Japanese, but it exists historically and in specific compounds, often influenced by Chinese.
配列 (hairetsu) — You might encounter 配列 (arrangement, sequence, array) written with 排, though it's more commonly seen with 配 (to distribute). When written with 排, it carries a similar meaning of lining things up in order.
排球 (haikyū) — Volleyball. This is a fascinating example! The name literally means "lining up" (排) + "ball" (球), likely referring to how players line up on the court. It's a great historical compound illustrating the broader semantic range of 排.
Example Sentences
ゴミは適切に排出する必要があります。
Gomi wa tekisetsu ni haishutsu suru hitsuyō ga arimasu.
It is necessary to dispose of garbage properly.
このシステムは外部からの侵入者を排除します。
Kono shisutemu wa gaibu kara no shinnyūsha o haijo shimasu.
This system excludes intruders from the outside.
工場からの排気ガスは環境問題の一因です。
Kōjō kara no haiki gasu wa kankyō mondai no ichiin desu.
Exhaust gas from factories is one cause of environmental problems.
彼女は群衆を排て前へ進んだ。
Kanojo wa gunshū o oshinokete mae e susunda.
She pushed through the crowd and moved forward.
社会から差別を排除すべきだという意見が多い。
Shakai kara sabetsu o haijo subeki da to iu iken ga ōi.
There are many opinions that discrimination should be eliminated from society.
排他的なクラブには入りたくない。
Haitateki na kurabu ni wa hairitakunai.
I don't want to join an exclusive club.
運動後は体から老廃物が排出されます。
Undōgo wa karada kara rōhaibutsu ga haishutsu saremasu.
After exercise, waste products are discharged from the body.
この国は排外主義の歴史があった。
Kono kuni wa haigaishugi no rekishi ga atta.
This country has a history of xenophobia.
現代社会では無駄を排し、効率化が求められています。
Gendai shakai de wa muda o hai shi, kōritsuka ga motomerareteimasu.
In modern society, waste is eliminated, and efficiency is sought after.
Memory Tip
To help remember 排, let's create a vivid image! Picture your hand (扌, the left radical) actively engaged in a task. On the right, we have 非, which can mean "not," "wrong," or "negative." So, imagine your strong hand pushing away something that is "not" good or something that is "wrong" from your path. Perhaps you're at a crowded market. Your hand is pushing away a "non-essential" (非) item someone is trying to sell you, making space for what you truly need. Or picture an angry "hand" (扌) pushing away a "wrong" (非) idea! This imagery of pushing away, expelling, or getting rid of unwanted things perfectly captures the kanji's core meanings: 'exclude,' 'discharge,' or 'repel.' The pronunciation 'hai' (ハイ) is quite common for kanji related to pushing or expelling. Associate it with the vigorous action of your hand!