Meaning
The kanji 樹 (ju, ki) primarily means "tree," "wood," or "plant." While often synonymous with 木 (ki), which is the simpler and more general term for "tree," 樹 carries a nuanced meaning. It tends to convey the sense of a standing, individual tree, often cultivated or significant in some way. You'll frequently find it in compounds that specify types of trees or arboreal environments, such as 街路樹 (gairoju, street trees) or 果樹 (kaju, fruit trees).
樹's origin lies in a phono-semantic compound. Its left-hand radical, 木 (ki), directly signifies "tree" or "wood," clearly indicating the kanji's core meaning. The right-hand component, 尌 (zhù in Chinese), historically contributed the character's sound. While its phonetic role is less obvious in modern Japanese pronunciation (ジュ), 尌 itself conveys ideas like "to set up," "to establish," or "to plant." This subtly links to the act of planting a tree or a tree standing firmly rooted, reinforcing the overall meaning of an "established" or "planted" tree.
Visually, the left side of 樹 clearly depicts a tree, complete with its trunk and branches. The right side, while more abstract, can be imagined as something being planted or fixed into the ground, reinforcing the idea of an established tree. With 16 strokes, 樹 is a Jōyō kanji taught in the 6th grade in Japanese elementary schools. Despite this early introduction, it's classified as N1 for JLPT proficiency, underscoring its common usage in more complex contexts.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main On'yomi for 樹 is ジュ (ju). Derived from ancient Chinese pronunciation, this reading is predominantly used in compound words, where 樹 appears alongside other kanji. You'll rarely find it as a standalone word.
- 樹木 (jumoku) — This compound, meaning "trees and shrubs" or a general term for trees, is one of the most common uses of 樹, combining it with 木 (ki, moku) which also means tree.
- 樹立 (juritsu) — establishment, inauguration, setting up. This compound highlights the "to set up" aspect of 樹's original meaning, often used when establishing a record, an organization, or a system. For instance, 世界記録を樹立する means "to establish a world record."
- 街路樹 (gairoju) — street trees. This refers to trees specifically planted along streets, with 街路 (gairo) meaning street or road.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Compared to its On'yomi, 樹's Kun'yomi are less frequently encountered, especially as standalone words. The most recognized Kun'yomi include き (ki) and う-える (u-eru).
- 樹 (ki) — tree. While 木 (ki) is the most common kanji for "tree," 樹 can also be read as き (ki) in specific literary or older terms, though it's much less frequent on its own. For example, in expressions like 老樹 (rōju, old tree), which can sometimes be read as 老木 or 老い木, the nuance of 樹 implies a more established or grand tree.
- 樹える (u-eru) — to plant. Although the kanji for "to plant" is typically 植える (ueru), 樹 holds a strong conceptual link to this action due to its etymology. It's therefore listed as a related Kun'yomi, representing the act of planting or establishing trees. You might see this conceptual link in compounds like 植樹 (shokuju, tree planting).
Common Words & Compounds
This section presents some common words and compounds featuring 樹, categorized by theme:
Types of Trees & Environments
- 樹木 (jumoku) — trees and shrubs; woody plants. This is a general term for all kinds of trees, encompassing both small shrubs and large trees.
- 果樹 (kaju) — fruit tree. Used specifically for trees that bear edible fruit, like リンゴの果樹 (ringo no kaju, apple trees).
- 針葉樹 (shin'yōju) — coniferous tree, conifer. Refers to trees with needle-like leaves, such as pine (松) or fir (モミの木).
- 広葉樹 (kōyōju) — broadleaf tree. Refers to trees with broad leaves, typically deciduous trees like maple (楓) or oak (樫).
- 並木 (namiki) — a row of trees, tree-lined street/avenue. While typically written with 木, the concept of established, orderly trees aligns with 樹's nuanced meaning.
Actions & Concepts Related to Trees
- 植樹 (shokuju) — tree planting. This refers to the act of planting trees, often seen in reforestation efforts or community events like 植樹祭 (shokujusai, tree-planting festival).
- 樹立 (juritsu) — establishment, setting up, inauguration. This term means to set up something, such as establishing a new record (記録を樹立する) or a government.
- 樹齢 (jurei) — tree age, age of a tree. This indicates the number of years a tree has lived, for example, 樹齢千年 (jurei sennen, one thousand years old tree).
- 樹海 (jukai) — a sea of trees, a vast forest. Often used to describe dense, expansive forests, like the famous 青木ヶ原樹海 (Aokigahara Jukai).
- 樹液 (jueki) — sap (of a tree). This is the liquid circulating within a tree, often collected for products like maple syrup.
Example Sentences
公園には様々な種類の樹木が植えられています。
Kōen ni wa samazama na shurui no jumoku ga uerareteimasu.
Various kinds of trees are planted in the park.
毎年、植樹祭でたくさんの木が植えられます。
Maitoshi, shokujusai de takusan no ki ga ueraremasu.
Every year, many trees are planted at the tree planting festival.
この大きな樹は推定で樹齢500年です。
Kono ookina ki wa suitei de jurei gohyaku-nen desu.
This large tree is estimated to be 500 years old.
新しい記録を樹立することができました。
Atarashii kiroku o juritsu suru koto ga dekimashita.
We were able to establish a new record.
その山には広大な樹海が広がっています。
Sono yama ni wa kōdai na jukai ga hirogatteimasu.
A vast sea of trees stretches across that mountain.
街路樹が美しく色付いています。
Gairoju ga utsukushiku irozuiteimasu.
The street trees are beautifully changing color.
果樹園で新鮮な果物を収穫しました。
Kajuen de shinsen na kudamono o shūkaku shimashita.
We harvested fresh fruit at the orchard (fruit tree garden).
楓は広葉樹の一種です。
Kaede wa kōyōju no isshu desu.
Maple is a type of broadleaf tree.
松の木は針葉樹に分類されます。
Matsu no ki wa shin'yōju ni bunrui saremasu.
Pine trees are classified as coniferous trees.
Memory Tip
To remember 樹, it helps to break it down into its two main parts. The left side is clearly 木 (ki), the kanji for "tree," immediately setting the context. The right side, 尌, represents the idea of "establishing" or "planting." You can visualize it as 士 (samurai/scholar) on top of 寸 (inch/thumb), with a vertical stroke extending through it. Imagine a determined "samurai" (士) using his "hand" (represented by 寸) to "plant" something firmly upright. Thus, you have a "tree" (木) that a "samurai plants" (尌), forming 樹, an "established" or "standing tree."
For the On'yomi ジュ, try associating it with the English word "jewel." Imagine finding a sparkling "jewel" (ジュエル) hanging from a special, beautifully cultivated tree. This connection can help solidify the reading in your mind.