Meaning
The kanji 吐 (to, haku) primarily means to expel something from the mouth. Its core meanings include “to vomit,” “to spit,” “to exhale (breathe out).” It also extends figuratively to “utter” or “disclose” one's feelings or thoughts.
Like many Chinese characters, 吐 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The left-hand radical, 口 (kuchi), clearly denotes the “mouth,” showing that the kanji's meaning relates to the oral cavity. The right-hand component, 土 (do, to), means “earth” or “soil” and serves as the phonetic element, suggesting the sound “to” or “do.” Although 土 primarily guides pronunciation here, you can imagine a loose conceptual connection: the mouth expelling something from deep within, like bringing something up from the ‘earth’ of the body.
The visual shape of 吐 clearly conveys its function: the mouth (口) is the organ performing the action of expelling. Whether it’s food, saliva, breath, or words, it's always the mouth that acts as the conduit. With just six strokes, 吐 is a relatively simple kanji to write. It is not taught in elementary school (Grades 1-6) but is part of the joyō kanji (常用漢字) list, designated for common use in daily life. Learners typically encounter it at a secondary school level, reflecting its N1 JLPT classification as an advanced character.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi, or Chinese-derived reading, for 吐 is ト (TO). This reading is most often used in compound words, frequently in more formal or medical contexts. These compounds often describe specific acts of expulsion, such as bodily functions, or the formal expression of feelings.
- 嘔吐 (ōto) — vomiting. This is a common medical term that directly describes the act of throwing up.
- 吐息 (toiki) — a sigh; breath (exhaled). Refers to exhaling, particularly a long, audible breath like a sigh.
- 吐血 (toketsu) — vomiting blood. A serious medical condition, it indicates the expulsion of blood from the mouth, often due to internal bleeding.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi, or native Japanese reading, for 吐 is はく (haku). This reading is primarily used when 吐 functions as a standalone verb, usually accompanied by okurigana (送り仮名) to complete its grammatical form. As a versatile verb, 「吐く」 covers a range of actions, from physical expulsion to emotional disclosure, and is thus very common in everyday conversation.
- 吐く (haku) — to spit; to vomit; to exhale. This is the basic verb form, applied in a wide variety of contexts.
- 息を吐く (iki o haku) — to exhale; to breathe out. This common expression specifically denotes the act of breathing out.
- 本音を吐く (hon'ne o haku) — to speak one's true feelings. This figurative use means to reveal what one truly thinks or feels.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 吐 appears in many useful words and compounds in Japanese, reflecting its various meanings, from physical actions to emotional expressions. Studying these compounds will help you grasp the full range of its usage.
Actions of Expulsion and Secretion
- 吐き出す (hakidasu) — to spit out; to throw up. This common verb combines 吐 (expel) and 出す (to put out).
- 喀痰 (kakutan) — expectoration; spitting phlegm. Although it uses 喀 for the first kanji, it refers to a similar bodily expulsion.
- 反吐 (hedo) — vomit (colloquial). This is a more informal or crude term for vomit.
Bodily Functions and Health-Related Terms
- 吐瀉 (tosha) — vomiting and diarrhea. A medical term referring to common gastrointestinal symptoms.
- 吐気 (hakike) — nausea; sickness. It describes the feeling that one is about to vomit.
- 呼気 (koki) — exhaled breath. Often contrasted with 吸気 (kyūki - inhaled breath), it refers to the air expelled from the lungs.
Figurative Expressions and Disclosure
- 吐露 (toro) — disclosure; expression (of feelings). This is a more formal term for revealing one's thoughts or emotions.
- 愚痴を吐く (guchi o haku) — to complain; to grumble. Figuratively, it means 'spitting out' complaints.
- 弱音を吐く (yowane o haku) — to complain; to say discouraging things; to express weakness. Figuratively, it means 'spitting out' weak or negative words.
- 胸の内を吐く (mune no uchi o haku) — to unburden one's heart; to confess. This expression means to unburden one's heart or confess, signifying the complete expression of one's inner feelings.
Example Sentences
彼女は気持ちが悪くて、吐いてしまった。
Kanojo wa kimochi ga warukute, haite shimatta.
She felt sick and ended up vomiting.
ストレスが溜まると、弱音を吐きたくなることがある。
Sutoresu ga tamaru to, yowane o hakitaku naru koto ga aru.
When stress builds up, I sometimes feel like complaining.
深呼吸して、ゆっくり息を吐きなさい。
Shinkokyū shite, yukkuri iki o hakinasai.
Take a deep breath and slowly exhale.
彼は怒って、つばを吐き出した。
Kare wa okotte, tsuba o hakidashita.
He got angry and spat.
本音を吐いて話し合うことが大切だ。
Hon'ne o haite hanashiau koto ga taisetsu da.
It's important to speak openly and discuss our true feelings.
彼は緊張のあまり、大きな吐息をついた。
Kare wa kinchō no amari, ōkina toiki o tsuita.
He was so nervous that he let out a big sigh.
医者は、嘔吐と発熱の症状について尋ねた。
Isha wa, ōto to hatsunetsu no shōjō ni tsuite tazuneta.
The doctor asked about the symptoms of vomiting and fever.
彼は悪夢から覚めて、苦しげに息を吐いた。
Kare wa akumu kara samete, kurushige ni iki o haita.
He awoke from a nightmare and exhaled painfully.
自分の心の内を吐露することで、気持ちが楽になることがある。
Jibun no kokoro no uchi o toro suru koto de, kimochi ga raku ni naru koto ga aru.
Sometimes, by disclosing one's inner feelings, one can feel relieved.
疲れた時は、愚痴を吐くのも悪くないかもしれない。
Tsukareta toki wa, guchi o haku no mo warukunai kamoshirenai.
When you're tired, perhaps it's not so bad to complain.
Memory Tip
To remember 吐, focus on its two clear components: the mouth (口) on the left and earth/soil (土) on the right. Imagine a scenario where you've accidentally swallowed some dirt or soil (土), and your mouth (口) has to work hard to expel or "spit out" that unpleasant substance. This vivid image directly links the components to the act of expelling. Alternatively, think of the mouth (口) pushing something out, as if pushing it away from the solid ground (土) of your body. Emphasizing this link between the mouth and expulsion will aid retention.