Meaning
The kanji 堀 (hori) primarily means “moat,” “ditch,” or “canal.” Specifically, it denotes an artificial trench or channel, often filled with water. These are typically dug into the ground for various purposes, such as defense, drainage, or transportation. In Japanese history and culture, 堀 is strongly associated with castles, where moats formed a crucial part of their defensive structures, protecting them from invaders.
Its etymological origin offers valuable clues about its meaning and structure. As a phono-semantic compound (形声文字, keisei moji), 堀 combines two elements: one hints at its meaning, and the other at its sound. The left radical, 土 (つちへん, tsuchihen), signifies "earth" or "soil." This clearly indicates the character's connection to something formed in the ground. The right component is 屈 (くつ, kutsu), meaning "to bend," "to stoop," or "to yield." This element not only lends the on'yomi sound クツ (kutsu) but also semantically suggests the act of digging or carving out a curved or bent channel in the earth. Therefore, the visual form of 堀 directly reinforces its meaning: a channel or trench bent or dug into the earth.
The kanji 堀 has 11 strokes. It is a Grade S kanji, included in the Jōyō Kanji list. This means it's not assigned to a specific elementary school grade. Instead, learners typically encounter it in junior high or high school, or as part of advanced Japanese studies, such as preparation for the JLPT N1.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi, or Chinese-derived reading, for 堀 is クツ (kutsu). However, it's crucial to note that this reading is exceedingly rare in modern Japanese. Most Japanese learners will encounter 堀 almost exclusively through its kun'yomi. When it does appear with its on'yomi, it's usually in highly specialized or historical contexts. Often, it's part of kanji compounds where its pronunciation is fossilized from older Chinese readings. Practically speaking, you will rarely, if ever, hear or use 堀 read as クツ in everyday Japanese.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary and almost universally used reading for 堀 is its kun'yomi: ほり (hori). This reading is deeply rooted in native Japanese vocabulary. It's the one you'll encounter in virtually all common contexts, directly referring to a moat, ditch, or canal.
- 堀 (hori) — moat, ditch, canal
Example: 城の周りには深い堀が巡らされている。 (The castle is surrounded by a deep moat.)
- お堀 (o-hori) — (polite form of) moat, ditch
Example: 皇居のお堀は観光客にも人気です。 (The Imperial Palace moat is popular with tourists.)
- 空堀 (karabori) — dry moat
Example: 敵の侵入を防ぐため、城には空堀が築かれました。 (A dry moat was built around the castle to prevent enemy invasion.)
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 堀 appears in many common words and compounds, particularly those related to historical architecture, geography, and place names. Its meaning consistently centers on excavated channels in the earth.
Castle & Defensive Structures:
- 堀 (hori) — moat, ditch, canal
This is its most direct and common usage, referring to any dug-out channel.
- 城堀 (shirobori) — castle moat
Refers specifically to the moat surrounding a castle, often fortified.
- 内堀 (uchibori) — inner moat
The moat closest to the central keep of a castle.
- 外堀 (sotobori) — outer moat
The outermost moat, providing the first line of defense.
- 空堀 (karabori) — dry moat
A moat without water, relying solely on its depth and steepness for defense.
- 水堀 (mizubori) — water moat
A moat filled with water, serving as a barrier.
- 堀端 (horibata) — edge of a moat
The area immediately adjacent to a moat, often a path or embankment.
Geographical & Place Names:
- 堀川 (horikawa) — canal, ditch, often a place name or river name
Many rivers and canals across Japan bear the name Horikawa.
- 堀江 (Horie) — a common place name (e.g., a district in Osaka)
This name often indicates an area historically situated near canals or waterways, such as the Horie district in Osaka.
- 堀口 (Horiguchi) — a common Japanese surname
Literally meaning 'moat entrance' or 'mouth of the ditch'.
- 堀内 (Horiuchi) — a common Japanese surname
Literally meaning 'inside the moat'.
Phrasal Usage:
- 堀を埋める (hori o umeru) — to fill in a moat/ditch
This action verb phrase directly relates to the kanji's meaning.
Example Sentences
城の周りには大きな堀があります。
Shiro no mawari ni wa ookina hori ga arimasu.
There is a large moat around the castle.
昔、この堀は敵から町を守るために使われました。
Mukashi, kono hori wa teki kara machi o mamoru tame ni tsukawaremashita.
In the past, this moat was used to protect the town from enemies.
お堀の周りを散歩するのが私の日課です。
O-hori no mawari o sanpo suru no ga watashi no nikka desu.
Walking around the moat is part of my daily routine.
工事で新しい堀が造られています。
Kōji de atarashii hori ga tsukurareteimasu.
A new ditch is being built due to the construction work.
空堀は水が入っていない堀のことです。
Karabori wa mizu ga haitteinai hori no koto desu.
A dry moat is a moat without water.
東京の皇居には深い堀が巡らされています。
Tōkyō no Kōkyo ni wa fukai hori ga megurasareteimasu.
The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is surrounded by deep moats.
桜の季節には堀沿いの桜並木がとても美しいです。
Sakura no kisetsu ni wa hori-zoi no sakuranamiki ga totemo utsukushii desu.
During cherry blossom season, the cherry tree-lined path along the moat is very beautiful.
川を堀のように利用して物資を運んでいました。
Kawa o hori no yō ni riyō shite busshi o hakonde imashita.
They used the river like a canal to transport goods.
城郭を防衛する上で、堀は非常に重要な役割を果たしました。
Jōkaku o bōei suru ue de, hori wa hijō ni jūyō na yakuwari o hatashimashita.
In defending a castle, moats played a very important role.
Memory Tip
To remember 堀, focus on its two main components. On the left, you'll find 土 (tsuchi), the radical for "earth" or "soil." This visually anchors the kanji to something dug into the ground. On the right is 屈 (kutsu), meaning "to bend" or "to stoop." Picture someone bending down to dig, or visualize the curved, bent shape of a trench or canal. Thus, 堀 essentially represents "something dug or bent in the earth" – a fitting description for a moat or ditch. 土 provides the material, while 屈 describes the action and resulting shape.