Meaning
The kanji 揮 (き, furuu) encompasses meanings such as 'to wave,' 'to brandish,' 'to command,' 'to direct,' and 'to exert or display' a skill or power. It often suggests a deliberate, active movement, especially with the hand, or a directed influence. You'll find 揮 used for physical actions, like waving a flag or weapon, as well as for abstract concepts like wielding authority or demonstrating abilities.
Its origin is a semantic-phonetic compound. The left-hand radical 手 (て), meaning 'hand,' clearly shows that the kanji relates to actions performed with the hands. This is the semantic component, providing the core meaning of manual action. The right-hand component 華 (か), meaning 'flower,' 'splendor,' or 'brilliance,' primarily functions as a phonetic element, giving the kanji its 'ki' sound. Some interpretations also suggest that 華 subtly contributes to the idea of a 'flourishing' or 'splendid' display when one exerts skill or power. However, this connection is secondary to its phonetic role. Overall, the kanji's visual form combines the 'hand' radical with a component that hints at both its pronunciation and a nuance of impactful or impressive action.
With 12 strokes, 揮 is a kanji of moderate complexity. It is a Jōyō Kanji, meaning it's on the official list for common use, but it's not assigned to a specific elementary school grade. Instead, students typically learn it in junior high or high school, reflecting its N1 JLPT level and advanced usage in Japanese.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi for 揮 is キ (KI). You'll frequently encounter this reading in many technical and formal Japanese words, particularly those related to direction, demonstration, or volatile substances. When 揮 appears in a compound word, it's almost always read as キ.
- 指揮 (shiki) — command; direction; leading. This compound is widely used in contexts like military command, conducting an orchestra, or managing a project. For example, 音楽会の指揮者 (ongakukai no shikisha) means 'orchestra conductor'.
- 発揮 (hakki) — exhibition; display; manifestation; demonstration (of power, ability, etc.). This word is commonly used to describe someone showing their true potential or skill. For instance, 才能を発揮する (sainou o hakki suru) means 'to demonstrate one's talent'.
- 揮発 (kihatsu) — volatility; evaporation. This term is common in scientific and chemical contexts, referring to substances that easily turn into vapor. A related term is 揮発油 (kihatsuyu), meaning 'volatile oil' or 'gasoline'.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main kun'yomi for 揮 is ふるう (furuu). While you often see 振るう (furū) for general waving or shaking (like waving goodbye, 手を振る), 揮う (ふるう) has a more specific meaning. It refers to exerting power, skill, or influence, or to purposefully wielding a tool or an abstract concept. This usage implies a deliberate and often impactful application.
- 力を揮う (chikara o furuu) — to exert one's strength or power. This phrase emphasizes the deliberate application of one's capabilities.
- 腕を揮う (ude o furuu) — to display one's skill; to show one's ability or prowess. Often used when someone skillfully performs a task, like a chef cooking or an artist creating.
- 采配を揮う (saihai o furuu) — to wield a baton (for directing); to direct or command (a team or group). The word 采配 originally refers to a general's baton, making this phrase mean to take command or manage.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 揮 forms various compounds, mainly focusing on themes of command, exertion, and volatility. Grasping these compounds is essential for truly understanding 揮.
Leadership and Command
- 指揮 (shiki) — Command; direction; leadership. This is a foundational word for the kanji, denoting the act of guiding or leading.
- 指揮官 (shikikan) — Commanding officer; commander. A person who holds command over a military unit or a team.
- 指揮者 (shikisha) — Conductor (of an orchestra); director. The individual responsible for leading musical performances.
- 指揮棒 (shikibou) — Baton; conductor's stick. The stick used by a conductor to direct an orchestra.
- 指揮系統 (shikikeitou) — Chain of command; command structure. The hierarchy through which orders are given and received within an organization.
Exertion and Display
- 発揮 (hakki) — Exhibition; display; manifestation; demonstration. Often used to describe showing one's true ability or potential.
- 実力を発揮する (jitsuryoku o hakki suru) — To demonstrate one's true ability or strength.
- 本領を発揮する (honryou o hakki suru) — To show one's true colors; to demonstrate one's true ability or forte.
- 才能を発揮する (sainou o hakki suru) — To demonstrate one's talent or gift.
Chemical and Volatile Properties
- 揮発 (kihatsu) — Volatility; evaporation. The property of a substance to vaporize easily.
- 揮発性 (kihatsusei) — Volatility; volatile nature. Describing something that is apt to evaporate.
- 揮発油 (kihatsuyu) — Volatile oil; gasoline; petrol. A type of oil that readily evaporates.
Example Sentences
彼はコンサートで素晴らしい指揮を執った。
Kare wa konsāto de subarashii shiki o totta.
He conducted wonderfully at the concert.
新任の部長が早くも手腕を揮っている。
Shinnin no buchou ga hayaku mo shuwan o futteiru.
The newly appointed department head is already demonstrating his leadership skills.
その選手は試合で才能を最大限に発揮した。
Sono senshu wa shiai de sainou o saidaigen ni hakki shita.
That player demonstrated their talent to the fullest in the game.
彼は全体の指揮を執り、チームを勝利へと導いた。
Kare wa zentai no shiki o tori, chīmu o shōri e to michibiita.
He took command of the whole team and led them to victory.
揮発性の液体は密閉して保管する必要がある。
Kihatsusei no ekitai wa mippei shite hokansuru hitsuyou ga aru.
Volatile liquids need to be stored in a sealed container.
監督は選手たちに全ての力を揮うよう促した。
Kantoku wa senshu-tachi ni subete no chikara o furuu you unagashita.
The coach urged the players to exert all their strength.
この計画の指揮は、ベテランの専門家に任されている。
Kono keikaku no shiki wa, beteran no senmonka ni makasareteiru.
The direction of this project has been entrusted to a veteran expert.
彼は練習で培った技術を大舞台で発揮した。
Kare wa renshuu de tsukatta gijutsu o oobutai de hakki shita.
He demonstrated the skills honed through practice on the big stage.
指揮系統が明確であれば、組織はスムーズに動く。
Shikikeitou ga meikaku de areba, soshiki wa sumūzu ni ugoku.
If the chain of command is clear, the organization will run smoothly.
料理人は新しいレシピで腕を揮った。
Ryourinin wa atarashii reshipi de ude o futta.
The chef displayed their skill with a new recipe.
Memory Tip
To remember 揮, focus on its two main components: 手 (hand) on the left and 華 (flower/brilliance) on the right. Picture a skilled conductor using their HAND (手) to WAVE their baton, drawing out the very BRILLIANCE (華, which also helps with the sound 'ki') of an orchestra's performance. This isn't just a casual wave; it's a deliberate COMMAND, an exertion of skill, a powerful DISPLAY. So, the 'hand' acts with 'brilliance' to 'wave,' 'command,' or 'display.' This image vividly connects the kanji's visual form to its core meanings of directing and demonstrating with impact.