Meaning
The kanji 搬, typically encountered at the advanced N1 level, primarily means 'transport,' 'carry,' 'move,' or 'convey.' Its essence lies in the act of moving something from one location to another, often involving physical effort or a logistical process. For instance, whether it's moving furniture, delivering goods, or transporting a patient to a hospital, 搬 captures the core of these actions.
To understand its meaning better, we can examine its origin and how its visual shape connects. The character 搬 is a classic example of a semantic-phonetic compound (形声文字, keisei moji). On the left, we find the radical 扌 (tehen), the 'hand' radical. This component indicates that the kanji's meaning relates to actions performed with hands or involving manual labor, pointing to physical manipulation.
On the right side, we find 般 (han), which acts as the phonetic component, suggesting the 'HAN' reading. Beyond its phonetic role, 般 also carries a semantic hint, meaning 'general,' 'sort,' or 'revolve/move.' When you combine the 'hand' (扌) with the idea of 'general movement' (般), this forms a clear visual representation of moving something with your hands or generally transporting items. This kanji has 13 strokes and is part of the Joyo (common use) kanji list, typically learned for N1 proficiency.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The kanji 搬 primarily uses one On'yomi reading: ハン (HAN). Like many N1 kanji, 搬 rarely stands alone, appearing predominantly in compound words, making its On'yomi the key reading to remember. This consistent reading is essential for advanced vocabulary in logistics, movement, and transportation.
ハン (HAN) — This reading is found in various compounds related to movement and carrying. It often appears in formal, technical, or business contexts demanding precise terminology.
運搬 (unpan) — transport, conveyance, carrying. This is perhaps the most common compound you'll encounter. It refers to the general act of transporting goods or materials.
搬送 (hansou) — transport, convey, carry. Similar to 運搬, but often implies a more directed or urgent form of transport, such as moving a patient to a hospital or data transmission.
搬入 (hannyuu) — carrying in, bringing in, delivery. This specific compound refers to the act of bringing items into a place, like equipment into a building or goods into a warehouse.
搬出 (hanshutsu) — carrying out, taking out, shipping. The opposite of 搬入, referring to the act of removing or taking items out of a place.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 搬 does not have any commonly used Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings). This is common for highly specialized N1 kanji, which often appear almost exclusively in Sino-Japanese compounds. While some obscure or historical readings might exist, for practical Japanese learning, you can safely assume 搬 will always be read with its On'yomi, ハン. This simplifies things, as you won't need to worry about different readings based on context: if you see 搬, think ハン!
Common Words & Compounds
As discussed, 搬 is almost always found within compound words, particularly those related to movement, logistics, and transportation. Here are some essential compounds, categorized to help you understand their specific applications:
General Transportation & Movement
- 運搬 (unpan) — transport, conveyance, carrying.
Example: このトラックは大量の荷物を運搬できます。 (Kono torakku wa tairyō no nimotsu o unpan dekimasu.) — This truck can transport a large amount of luggage.
- 搬送 (hansou) — transport, convey, carry. (Often used for people, data, or urgent items)
Example: 事故で負傷した人を病院へ搬送した。 (Jiko de fushō shita hito o byōin e hansou shimashita.) — We transported the injured person to the hospital.
Entry & Exit of Goods
- 搬入 (hannyuu) — carrying in, bringing in, delivery.
Example: 新しい家具の搬入は明日です。 (Atarashii kagu no hannyuu wa ashita desu.) — The delivery of the new furniture is tomorrow.
- 搬出 (hanshutsu) — carrying out, taking out, shipping.
Example: 展示会の作品の搬出作業が始まった。 (Tenjikai no sakuhin no hanshutsu sagyō ga hajimatta.) — The work to remove the exhibition pieces has begun.
- 引越し搬入 (hikkoshi hannyuu) — moving in (specifically for relocation).
Example: 引越し搬入サービスを利用して、大型家具を運びました。 (Hikkoshi hannyuu sābisu o riyō shite, ōgata kagu o hakobimashita.) — We used a moving-in service to transport large furniture.
Specialized Transport & Equipment
- 資材搬送 (shizai hansou) — material transport.
Example: 建設現場では資材搬送にクレーンが使われる。 (Kensetsu genba de wa shizai hansou ni kurēn ga tsukawareru.) — Cranes are used for material transport at construction sites.
- 患者搬送 (kanja hansou) — patient transport.
Example: 救急車が患者搬送のために出動した。 (Kyuukyūsha ga kanja hansou no tame ni shutudou shita.) — An ambulance was dispatched for patient transport.
- 手荷物搬送 (tenimotsu hansou) — baggage transport.
Example: 空港では手荷物搬送システムが効率的に動いている。 (Kūkō de wa tenimotsu hansou shisutemu ga kōritsuteki ni ugoite iru.) — The baggage transport system at the airport is operating efficiently.
- 搬器 (hanki) — transporter, carrier (a piece of equipment).
Example: 工場内の部品は自動搬器で運ばれる。 (Kōjō nai no buhin wa jidou hanki de hakobareru.) — Parts within the factory are transported by automatic carriers.
- 搬送装置 (hansou souchi) — transport device/system.
Example: この倉庫には最新の自動搬送装置が導入されています。 (Kono souko ni wa saishin no jidou hansou souchi ga dounyuu sarete imasu.) — This warehouse has introduced the latest automatic transport system.
Example Sentences
引越しの際、重い荷物の運搬を業者に依頼しました。
Hikkoshi no sai, omoi nimotsu no unpan o gyousha ni irai shimashita.
When moving, I requested a company to transport the heavy luggage.
事故現場から負傷者を緊急搬送する必要があります。
Jiko genba kara fushousha o kinkyuu hansou suru hitsuyou ga arimasu.
It is necessary to urgently transport the injured person from the accident site.
新しい機材の搬入は、午前中に完了する予定です。
Atarashii kizai no hannyuu wa, gozenchuu ni kanryou suru yotei desu.
The carrying in of the new equipment is scheduled to be completed by noon.
展示会が終わったら、すぐに作品の搬出が始まります。
Tenjikai ga owattara, sugu ni sakuhin no hanshutsu ga hajimarimasu.
After the exhibition finishes, the removal of the works will begin immediately.
大規模な工場では、自動搬送装置が製品を効率的に搬送しています。
Daikibo na koujou de wa, jidou hansou souchi ga seihin o kouritsuteki ni hansou shite imasu.
In large factories, automatic transport systems efficiently convey products.
災害時には、負傷者の速やかな搬送が重要です。
Saigaiji ni wa, fushousha no sumiyaka na hansou ga juuyou desu.
In times of disaster, prompt transport of the injured is crucial.
精密機械の搬入には専門の技術が必要です。
Seimitsu kikai no hannyuu ni wa senmon no gijutsu ga hitsuyou desu.
Specialized skills are required for bringing in precision machinery.
大量のごみを処理場まで搬送する必要がある。
Tairyō no gomi o shorijō made hansou suru hitsuyō ga aru.
There is a need to transport a large amount of garbage to the processing plant.
Memory Tip
To remember 搬 (HAN), think of it as 'handy movement.' Visualize its components. On the left, we have the 'hand' radical (扌), which resembles a stylized hand or arm. This signifies actions involving hands and physical movement. On the right, 般 means 'general' or 'sort,' but also carries a sense of 'movement' or 'revolving.' Therefore, imagine using your hands (扌) to generally move (般) various objects. Picture a busy mover carrying boxes – they are using their hands to transport items around. This combination of 'hand' and 'general movement' clearly conveys the meaning of 'transport' or 'carry.' Just remember: 'Use your hand to generally move things: 搬 (HAN).'"