Meaning
The kanji 塁 (ルイ, rui) means 'base,' 'fort,' 'heap,' 'mound,' or 'pile.' In modern Japanese, its most common usage is in baseball, where it refers to the bases on a field. However, 塁 also retains its original historical meaning, relating to fortifications and earthworks. For instance, it can describe a defensive structure built of earth or a heap of piled-up material.
Historically, 塁 is a phono-semantic compound (形声字, keiseiji). Its radical, 土 (つち, tsuchi), means 'earth' or 'soil.' This directly indicates the kanji's semantic field: structures made from earth. The upper component, 畾 (らい, rai), serves as the phonetic element, suggesting the 'rui' sound. It also visually depicts multiple fields or something piled up in layers. Together, these components effectively convey the idea of an 'earth mound' or 'earthen structure.' Such structures are often built up in layers to form a base or fortification.
The kanji's shape itself reinforces its meaning. The 'earth' radical (土) at the bottom supports the complex upper structure, visually suggesting a solid base or an elevated defensive position. Moreover, the numerous lines in the upper part can represent stacked layers of an earthwork or various sections of a fort. This N1 level kanji has 12 strokes. Since it is not taught in elementary school, it's classified as Grade S (Special or Secondary school level).
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi reading for 塁 is ルイ (RUI). This Chinese-derived reading is primarily used in compound words, especially in contemporary Japanese. It is essential for understanding both baseball terminology and words related to fortifications.
- 塁打 (ruida) — a base hit (in baseball). This is a hit that allows a batter to safely reach a base.
- 盗塁 (tōrui) — a stolen base (in baseball). This is when a runner advances to the next base while the pitcher is throwing the ball to the batter.
- 塁壁 (ruiheki) — a rampart, a parapet, or a defensive wall. This term uses 塁 in its original sense of a fortified earthwork or rampart.
- 本塁 (honrui) — home base or home plate (in baseball). The final base a player must reach to score a run.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 塁 does not have a common standalone kun'yomi reading in modern Japanese. While some older references or specialized texts might hint at meanings expressed by native Japanese words like 砦 (とりで, toride, meaning 'fort' or 'stockade'), 塁 is rarely read as とりで. In contemporary Japanese, it almost exclusively appears in compound words using its on'yomi, ルイ. No independent verbs or adjectives are formed directly from 塁 with a widely used kun'yomi reading. Therefore, when you encounter 塁, primarily expect its on'yomi reading within compound contexts.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 塁 appears in a variety of compounds, most notably in baseball terminology. However, it is also found in words related to military fortifications and general structures. Understanding these compounds is essential for learning this N1 kanji.
Baseball Terminology:
一塁 (ichirui) — first base. The first of the four bases a runner must touch.
二塁 (nirui) — second base. Located opposite home plate.
三塁 (sanrui) — third base. The base before home plate.
本塁 (honrui) — home plate / home base. The final base, where a run is scored.
満塁 (manrui) — bases loaded. When runners occupy first, second, and third base.
進塁 (shinrui) — advancement to a base. The act of a runner advancing to a subsequent base.
帰塁 (kirui) — return to a base. When a runner returns to a base they previously occupied, often to avoid being tagged out.
走塁 (sōrui) — base running. The overall act and strategy of running the bases during a game.
Military & Fortification Terms:
防塁 (bōrui) — a defensive wall, rampart, or earthwork. These are built to protect against attack.
堡塁 (hōrui) — a fort, fortress, or stronghold. A more substantial defensive structure, like a fort or stronghold.
築塁 (chikurui) — the construction of a fort or rampart, referring to the act of building.
城塁 (jōrui) — castle walls or a fortress. Combines 'castle' (城) with 'fortification' (塁).
Example Sentences
彼は一塁に駆け込み、見事にセーフになった。
Kare wa ichirui ni kakekomi, migoto ni sēfu ni natta.
He dashed to first base and was safely on base.
試合は満塁のチャンスで、観客は息をのんだ。
Shiai wa manrui no chansu de, kankyaku wa iki wo nonda.
The game had a bases-loaded chance, and the spectators held their breath.
ピッチャーは盗塁を警戒し、ランナーを注意深く見ていた。
Picchā wa tōrui wo keikai shi, rannā wo chūibukaku mite ita.
The pitcher was wary of a stolen base and watched the runner carefully.
本塁への送球が間に合わず、相手チームに得点が入った。
Honrui e no sōkyū ga maniawazu, aite chīmu ni tokuten ga haitta.
The throw to home plate was late, and the opposing team scored a run.
歴史公園には、かつての防塁の跡が保存されている。
Rekishi kōen ni wa, katsute no bōrui no ato ga hozon sarete iru.
Remains of former defensive ramparts are preserved in the historical park.
敵の攻撃から街を守るため、堅固な堡塁が築かれた。
Teki no kōgeki kara machi wo mamoru tame, kengo na hōrui ga tsukareta.
A strong fortress was built to protect the city from enemy attacks.
彼は二塁まで進み、得点圏にランナーを進めた。
Kare wa nirui made susumi, tokutenken ni rannā wo susumeta.
He advanced to second base, moving the runner into scoring position.
その選手は素晴らしい走塁で、三塁から一気に本塁へ生還した。
Sono senshu wa subarashii sōrui de, sanrui kara ikkini honrui e seikan shita.
That player made an excellent base run, returning to home plate directly from third base.
打者は塁打を重ねて、チームの攻撃を牽引した。
Dasha wa ruida wo kasanete, chīmu no kōgeki wo ken'in shita.
The batter accumulated base hits, leading the team's offense.
Memory Tip
To remember 塁, focus on its constituent parts. The bottom radical is 土 (つち, tsuchi), meaning 'earth' or 'soil.' This naturally connects to the idea of a 'mound' or an 'earthen base.' The top part, 畾, visually breaks down into three 田 (た, ta) characters, meaning 'rice field.' Imagine these stacked fields as layers piled up, forming a large heap or a fortified structure. So, you have 'earth' (土) at the base and 'piled up fields' (畾) on top. This creates the image of an 'earthen mound' or a 'fortress.' For a baseball context, visualize the bases as 'mounds of earth' (土) that players run around on the 'field' (田田田).