Meaning
The kanji 携 (ケイ, たずさえる, たずさわる) is a versatile character covering both physical carrying and active involvement. At its core, 携 conveys the literal sense of 'to carry,' 'to hold,' or 'to take along,' often implying something held by hand or brought with oneself. Beyond this tangible meaning, it extends metaphorically to 'to be involved in,' 'to participate,' 'to engage in,' or 'to collaborate,' reflecting the idea of joining hands or bringing one's efforts alongside others.
This dual nature makes 携 an essential kanji for advanced Japanese learners, frequently appearing in business, technology, and social contexts. Understanding its visual structure can help clarify these meanings. The left side of the character is the radical 手 (て), meaning "hand." This radical immediately establishes a connection to manual action, touching, holding, or handling. It grounds the kanji in human agency.
The right side, 彗 (スイ), functions primarily as a phonetic component. Historically, its original form depicted a broom or a comet, suggesting movement or something being swept along. The combination of the "hand" radical with a component implying motion or connection reinforces the core meanings. Imagine using your hand (手) to carry an item or to extend it to someone for collaboration. This direct visual connection to the hand makes its various meanings easier to grasp.
With 13 strokes, 携 is classified as a Grade 8 kanji in the Japanese education system. However, its nuanced usage and frequent appearance in complex N1-level vocabulary mean that a thorough understanding is essential for advanced learners.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi, or Chinese-derived reading, for 携 is exclusively ケイ (KEI). This reading is predominantly used when 携 forms part of a compound word, often conveying meanings related to carrying, association, collaboration, or being equipped with something. This makes it a key reading for many advanced Japanese terms in various fields.
- 携帯 (keitai) — To carry; portable. This is perhaps the most common compound, widely recognized in relation to mobile phones. It signifies the act of having something with you for convenience.
- 提携 (teikei) — Cooperation; tie-up; collaboration. This signifies a formal partnership or alliance, often between businesses, organizations, or individuals, for mutual benefit.
- 連携 (renkei) — Cooperation; coordination; link-up. Similar to 提携 but often implying a more dynamic, operational, or systematic coordination, such as between different departments, systems, or military units.
- 携行 (keikou) — Carrying; taking with one. More formal than 携帯, often used for items one must carry for a specific purpose, such as documents, a weapon, or essential supplies.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi, or native Japanese readings, of 携 are verbal forms that directly express the actions of carrying or involvement. There are two primary Kun'yomi readings, each with distinct nuances and grammatical usages.
携える (tazusaeru) — To carry (in one's hand); to take along (with one); to be accompanied by. This is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It implies carrying something physically, often by hand or personally, or bringing someone along as a companion. It suggests deliberate action and possession during movement.
傘を携える (kasa o tazusaeru) — To carry an umbrella.
家族を携えて旅行する (kazoku o tazusaete ryokou suru) — To travel with one's family (lit. taking one's family along).
携わる (tazusawaru) — To be involved in; to participate in; to engage in; to have a hand in. This is an intransitive verb, typically used with the particle に (ni) to indicate the sphere or object of involvement. It conveys a sense of active participation, engagement, or contribution to a task, project, field, or cause. It highlights indirect but active engagement rather than direct physical carrying.
プロジェクトに携わる (purojekuto ni tazusawaru) — To be involved in a project.
教育事業に携わる (kyouiku jigyou ni tazusawaru) — To be engaged in educational work.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 携 forms part of many essential Japanese words and compounds, all reflecting its core meanings of carrying, involvement, and collaboration. Learning these terms is crucial for N1-level Japanese and for understanding subtle expressions in different situations. These examples demonstrate how versatile 携 is, used in both literal and figurative contexts.
Words related to Carrying & Possession:
- 携帯 (keitai) — Portable; carrying with oneself. This versatile term describes anything designed to be carried easily, especially electronic devices.
- 携帯電話 (keitaidenwa) — Mobile phone; cellular phone. One of the most ubiquitous terms using 携, highlighting its portability.
- 携帯品 (keitaihin) — Personal effects; articles carried. Refers to items one carries, such as luggage on a journey or through customs.
- 携行 (keikou) — Carrying; taking along. Often used in formal contexts for items that must be carried, such as documents or specific equipment during travel or military operations.
- 携行食 (keikoushoku) — Portable food; provisions (for a trip). Food carried for consumption during an outing, hike, or emergency.
- 携行兵器 (keikouheiki) — Portable weapons; personal weaponry. A military or security term for weapons that can be carried by an individual soldier or officer.
Words related to Collaboration & Involvement:
- 提携 (teikei) — Business alliance; cooperation; partnership. Often implies a formal agreement between entities for mutual benefit, combining resources or expertise.
- 連携 (renkei) — Cooperation; coordination; linkage. Focuses on coordinated action and communication between different parties, departments, or systems to achieve a common goal.
- 携わり (tazusawari) — Involvement; participation (the noun form derived from the verb 携わる). This term refers to the act or state of being engaged in something.
- 連携強化 (renkei kyouka) — Strengthening cooperation/coordination. This phrase indicates efforts to improve the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between groups or systems.
Example Sentences
彼はいつも携帯電話を携行している。
Kare wa itsumo keitaidenwa o keikou shite iru.
He always carries his mobile phone with him.
旅行には必要最低限の荷物を携えて行くべきだ。
Ryokou ni wa hitsuyou saiteigen no nimotsu o tazusaete iku beki da.
One should travel with the absolute minimum necessary luggage.
新しいプロジェクトに携わることが決まり、大変光栄です。
Atarashii purojekuto ni tazusawaru koto ga kimari, taihen kouei desu.
It has been decided that I will be involved in a new project, and I am deeply honored.
会社と他社の提携が正式に発表されました。
Jisha to tasha no teikei ga seishiki ni happyou saremashita.
The partnership between our company and another company has been officially announced.
国際会議では、各国が連携して地球温暖化対策を協議した。
Kokusaikaigi de wa, kakkoku ga renkei shite chikyuu ondan ka taisaku o kyougi shita.
At the international conference, various countries collaborated to discuss measures against global warming.
彼はいつも熱意を携えて仕事に臨んでいます。
Kare wa itsumo netsui o tazusaete shigoto ni nozonde imasu.
He always approaches his work with enthusiasm.
医療現場に携わる人々は、日々多大な貢献をしています。
Iryou genba ni tazusawaru hitobito wa, hibi tadai na kouken o shite imasu.
People involved in the medical field make enormous contributions every day.
複数の部署が緊密に連携することで、プロジェクトは成功へと導かれた。
Fukusū no busho ga kinmitsu ni renkei suru koto de, purojekuto wa seikou e to michibikareta.
By multiple departments cooperating closely, the project was led to success.
その事件には、多数の専門家が調査に携わっている。
Sono jiken ni wa, tasuu no senmonka ga chousa ni tazusawatte iru.
Numerous specialists are involved in the investigation of that incident.
災害時に備え、食料と水を常に携行しておくことが推奨されています。
Saigaiji ni sonae, shokuryou to mizu o tsune ni keikou shite oku koto ga suishou sarete imasu.
It is recommended to always carry food and water in preparation for disasters.
Memory Tip
To help you remember 携, let's break down its components and connect them to its meanings. The left side is the radical 手 (hand), which immediately anchors the character to actions involving the hand. This is crucial for both its meanings of 'carrying' and 'involvement.'
The right side, 彗 (pronounced "sui"), mainly functions as a phonetic component. Historically, it depicted a broom or comet, hinting at movement. To remember 'to carry,' visualize a hand (手) holding and moving an item. For 'involvement' or 'collaboration,' imagine extending your hand (手) to join with others, symbolizing shared effort.
Focusing on the 'hand' radical as the key actionable visual helps to grasp and retain the kanji's diverse meanings.