Meaning
The kanji 稿 (こう) refers to a "draft," "manuscript," or "copy" intended for publication. It signifies the preliminary or original written material before final editing, proofreading, or printing. This kanji is closely associated with the entire writing and publishing process, representing either the initial raw text or the finalized version submitted to a publisher, editor, or for academic review.
Its etymological roots offer insight into its meaning. 稿 is a semantic-phonetic compound kanji. The left radical, 禾 (のぎへん - nogihen), represents "grain" or "rice plant." This component often appears in kanji related to agriculture, crops, or more broadly, to raw materials. In the context of writing, it can be metaphorically understood as the raw material—such as paper, or even the essential idea itself—that forms the basis of a document.
The right component, 髙 (たかい - takai, meaning "high" or "tall"), functions as the phonetic element, giving the kanji its On'yomi reading "コウ." Beyond its sound, some interpretations suggest a subtle semantic connection. "High" or "tall" might evoke the image of a tall stack of papers forming a finished manuscript, or represent the "lofty" intellectual endeavor of creating a significant written work. This combination of "grain/raw material" and "high/tall" therefore suggests a compiled, substantial piece of writing—a draft or manuscript.
The kanji 稿 has 15 strokes. Classified as an N1 level kanji, it indicates advanced usage in Japanese and is not assigned to a specific elementary school grade (Joyo Kanji).
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary, and almost exclusive, On'yomi reading for 稿 is コウ (KOU). This reading comes from its historical pronunciation in Chinese and is used in nearly all compound words involving this kanji. Since 稿 mainly refers to concepts related to documents and writing, it almost always appears in combination with other kanji.
- 原稿 (genkou) — This compound means "original manuscript" or "copy." It refers to the final version of a text submitted for printing or publication. Here, 原 (gen) means "original" or "source."
- 草稿 (soukou) — Meaning "rough draft" or "first draft." Here, 草 (sou) refers to "grass" but metaphorically means "rough," "informal," or "sketchy," aptly describing an initial, unpolished draft.
- 寄稿 (kikou) — This refers to a "contribution" to a magazine, newspaper, or other publication. Here, 寄 (ki) means "to send" or "to contribute."
- 投稿 (toukou) — Meaning "submission (of an article, photo, etc.)" or "contribution." 投 (tou) means "to cast," "to throw," or "to send." This is commonly used in online contexts, such as submitting articles to a blog or photos to a social media platform.
- 脱稿 (dakkou) — This compound signifies the "completion of a manuscript." 脱 (datsu) means "to escape," "to remove," or "to finish," implying the release from the task of writing.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 稿 does not have any commonly used native Japanese (Kun'yomi) readings. This is typical for kanji that primarily represent abstract concepts or specific technical terms, especially those that entered the Japanese language through Chinese. Its usage is almost exclusively in combination with other kanji to form compound words (熟語 - jukugo).
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 稿 is a fundamental component of vocabulary related to writing, publishing, and academic work. Below are some common words and compounds, categorized by theme, illustrating its various uses:
Types of Manuscripts & Documents
原稿 (genkou) — original manuscript, copy for printing. This is the most common term for a finished piece of writing, ready for submission or publication.
草稿 (soukou) — rough draft, first draft. Refers to an initial, unpolished version of a text, often requiring further revision.
手稿 (shukou) — autograph manuscript, handwritten manuscript. Emphasizes that the text is written by hand, often by the author themselves.
遺稿 (ikou) — posthumous manuscript. Refers to a work that is published or discovered after the author's death.
詩稿 (shikou) — poetry manuscript. A specific type of manuscript containing poems.
稿本 (kouhon) — manuscript, draft (as a physical book or text). Similar to 原稿 but can imply a more substantial, book-like draft.
Actions Related to Manuscripts
寄稿 (kikou) — contribution (to a publication). The act of sending an article, essay, or other writing to a magazine, newspaper, or website.
投稿 (toukou) — submission (of an article, photo, etc.), contribution. A broader term than 寄稿, often used for online submissions, like blog comments or social media posts, or for general contributions.
起稿 (kikou) — starting a draft, drafting. The initial stage of writing, putting the first words onto paper.
校稿 (koukou) — proofreading a manuscript. The process of checking a draft for errors, inconsistencies, and adherence to style guides.
脱稿 (dakkou) — completion of a manuscript. The act of finishing a written work, often implying a sense of relief after a long effort.
入稿 (nyuukou) — submission of manuscript (to publisher/printer). Specifically refers to the act of submitting the final manuscript to the publishing or printing house.
絶稿 (zekkou) — ceasing contributions, final manuscript (in the sense of the last one). Indicates the discontinuation of writing or contributing, or refers to the final piece an author wrote.
稿料 (kouryou) — manuscript fee, payment for writing. The remuneration received by an author for their written work.
Example Sentences
この原稿はまだ修正が必要です。
Kono genkou wa mada shūsei ga hitsuyō desu.
This manuscript still needs revisions.
雑誌に寄稿する機会をいただきました。
Zasshi ni kikō suru kikai wo itadakimashita.
I received an opportunity to contribute to a magazine.
彼は深夜までかけて、小説の草稿を書き上げた。
Kare wa shinya made kakete, shōsetsu no soukou wo kakiageta.
He stayed up late to finish the novel's rough draft.
来月の締め切りまでに、論文の最終の原稿を提出しなければならない。
Raigetsu no shimekiri made ni, ronbun no saishū no genkou wo teishutsu shinakereba naranai.
I must submit the final manuscript of the thesis by next month's deadline.
先生は生徒たちの投稿を丁寧に添削してくれた。
Sensei wa seito-tachi no tōkō wo teinei ni tensaku shite kureta.
The teacher carefully edited the students' submissions.
何回も推敲を重ねて、ようやく原稿が完成した。
Nankai mo suikō wo kasanete, yōyaku genkou ga kansei shita.
After many revisions, the manuscript was finally completed.
編集者は作家に新しい連載の起稿を依頼した。
Henshūsha wa sakka ni atarashii rensai no kikō wo irai shita.
The editor requested the author to start drafting a new serialization.
彼は締め切り前日に無事脱稿し、安堵のため息をついた。
Kare wa shimekiri zenjitsu ni buji dakkou shi, ando no tame iki wo tsuita.
He safely finished the manuscript the day before the deadline and breathed a sigh of relief.
Memory Tip
To remember 稿, visualize its components: 禾 (nogihen), representing "grain" or "rice plant," and 髙 (takai), meaning "high" or "tall." Imagine a writer working late, compiling a "high" stack of paper. This paper, like many writing materials, originates from plants or "grains." Thus, a "high" pile of paper, born from "grain," becomes the "draft" or "manuscript." You can also think of your words, like a humble seed (grain), growing into a tall, substantial written work, ready for review. This mnemonic links the raw materials and the dedicated effort needed to produce a developed text.