Meaning
The N1 kanji 搭 (tō) primarily means "to board," "to ride (a vehicle)," or "to load." It can also suggest "to build," "to erect," or "to put together," especially when talking about laying a foundation or constructing a framework. However, these construction-related uses are less common in modern Japanese than its transportation meanings.
When you encounter 搭, focus on the action of getting onto a mode of transport or placing something onto another object. For instance, you might use 搭 when boarding an airplane or loading equipment onto a rocket.
This kanji's origin is a phono-semantic compound. The left radical, 扌 (tehen), is the "hand" radical, which points to actions done with the hands. This fits well with the kanji's meanings: boarding a plane might involve using your hands to carry luggage or present a ticket, while loading cargo requires physically handling items. The right component, 荅 (tō), serves as the phonetic element, giving the kanji its 'tō' sound. While 荅 itself means "to answer" or "to fit," this idea of 'fitting' can subtly connect to fitting oneself into a seat or fitting components together during construction. Overall, the "hand" radical strongly emphasizes active engagement, such as boarding an aircraft or mounting equipment.
搭 has 11 strokes and is considered beyond the standard Kyoiku (school) kanji list. It is typically learned in high school or university, aligning with its N1 JLPT level designation.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi reading for 搭 is トウ (tō). You'll find this reading in most common words featuring this kanji, particularly those related to travel, transportation, and equipment.
搭乗 (tōjō) — This is a very common word, meaning "boarding" or "embarkation," typically for an airplane or ship. It refers to the act of getting onto a vehicle. For example, 「飛行機への搭乗手続き」 (hikōki e no tōjō tetsudzuki) means "boarding procedures for an airplane."
搭載 (tōsai) — This compound means "loading," "equipping," or "mounting." It describes the act of putting something onto a vehicle, a system, or a device. For instance, 「最新のカメラを搭載したドローン」 (saishin no kamera o tōsai shita dorōn) means "a drone equipped with the latest camera."
搭船 (tōsen) — This means "boarding a ship." While similar to 搭乗, it specifically refers to getting onto a boat or ship. It's less common than 搭乗 but conveys the same fundamental meaning of entering a vessel.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Unlike many kanji, 搭 does not have any commonly used kun'yomi readings in modern Japanese. It is almost exclusively encountered with its on'yomi, トウ (tō), in compound words. This is common for N1 level kanji, as many advanced characters are primarily used in more formal, technical, or Sino-Japanese compounds.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 搭 often appears in contexts related to transportation, loading, and equipping. Here are some key compounds to help you understand its usage:
搭乗 (tōjō) — Boarding, embarkation. The act of getting onto a vehicle like a plane or ship.
搭乗券 (tōjōken) — Boarding pass. The ticket required to board a flight or other mode of transport.
搭乗口 (tōjōguchi) — Boarding gate. The specific gate or entrance for boarding a vehicle.
搭乗者 (tōjōsha) — Passenger, boarder. A person who is boarding or has boarded a vehicle.
搭載 (tōsai) — Loading, equipping, mounting. The act of placing or installing something onto another object, often for its function.
搭載機 (tōsaiki) — Onboard aircraft, carrier-based aircraft. Refers to an aircraft carried on a larger vessel, such as an aircraft carrier.
搭載量 (tōsairyou) — Payload, carrying capacity. The maximum amount of weight or volume that can be loaded onto a vehicle or system.
搭乗手続き (tōjō tetsudzuki) — Boarding procedure. The process to board a flight, including check-in and security.
再搭乗 (saitōjō) — Re-boarding. The act of boarding again, often after a temporary disembarkation.
搭載物 (tōsaibutsu) — Cargo, payload. The items or materials loaded onto a vehicle or device.
Example Sentences
飛行機へ搭乗します。
Hikōki e tōjō shimasu.
I will board the airplane.
搭乗券を持っていますか。
Tōjōken o motte imasu ka?
Do you have your boarding pass?
搭乗口は３番です。
Tōjōguchi wa san-ban desu.
The boarding gate is number 3.
そのロケットには人工衛星が搭載されています。
Sono roketto ni wa jinkō eisei ga tōsai sarete imasu.
That rocket is equipped with a satellite.
私たちの便は今、搭乗を開始しました。
Watashitachi no bin wa ima, tōjō o kaishi shimashita.
Our flight has just started boarding.
この新しい車には最新のナビゲーションシステムが搭載されています。
Kono atarashii kuruma ni wa saishin no nabigēshon shisutemu ga tōsai sarete imasu.
This new car is equipped with the latest navigation system.
搭乗者は飛行中、シートベルトを締める必要があります。
Tōjōsha wa hikōchū, shītoberuto o shimeru hitsuyō ga arimasu.
Passengers need to fasten their seatbelts during the flight.
緊急時の際には、乗務員の指示に従って速やかに搭乗口へお向かいください。
Kinkyūji no sai ni wa, jōmuin no shiji ni shitagatte sumiyaka ni tōjōguchi e omukai kudasai.
In an emergency, please follow the crew's instructions and proceed quickly to the boarding gate.
Memory Tip
To remember 搭, let's look at its components! On the left, we have the radical 扌 (tehen), which literally means "hand." This is a helpful hint, as boarding a plane, loading luggage, or building a scaffold all involve using your hands. On the right, 荅 (tō), acts as the phonetic component and also carries a subtle meaning of "to answer" or "to fit."
Imagine yourself using your hand (扌) to help you fit (荅) into your seat when you board a plane, or using your hands to load your belongings. This kanji emphasizes actively using your hands to get yourself or items onto something, whether it's a vehicle or a structure.