Meaning
The kanji 孔 (KOU) primarily means 'opening,' 'hole,' 'aperture,' or 'pore.' Visually, it's often interpreted as representing a person (子, child/person) with an opening or prominent feature. Historically, the character's origin is somewhat debated. Theories suggest it might represent an open mouth, or a simplified form of an ancient character for a 'cave' or 'hole.' This idea of an opening is central to its usage in terms like 毛孔 (pore of the skin) or 鼻孔 (nostril).
Beyond its literal meaning of a physical opening, 孔 also carries a classical Chinese nuance of 'great,' 'very,' or 'thorough.' This classical sense is most notably preserved in its most famous usage: 孔子 (Kōshi), the Japanese name for Confucius. Here, 孔 (Kǒng in Chinese) is Confucius's surname. It signifies his profound wisdom and widespread influence, thus associating the kanji with greatness and 'penetrating' wisdom. In modern Japanese, however, this 'great' meaning is almost exclusively seen in the context of Confucius or other historical figures bearing the surname 孔. Its primary general usage, though, refers to physical openings.
This kanji has 4 strokes and is a Joyo kanji, taught in secondary school. It is crucial for the N1 level of the JLPT. Understanding its dual nature – the common meaning of 'hole' and its significant role in proper nouns – is essential for mastering 孔.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary and most common on'yomi reading for 孔 is コウ (KOU). This reading is used in most compound words where 孔 means 'hole' or 'aperture,' or forms part of a Chinese-derived proper noun. N1 learners must understand its usage with コウ.
- 孔子 (Kōshi) — Confucius
This is the most famous use of 孔. It refers to the revered ancient Chinese philosopher. You'll definitely want to remember this proper noun.
- 孔子の教えは今でも世界中で研究されています。
(Kōshi no oshie wa ima demo sekaijū de kenkyū sareteimasu.) — Confucius's teachings are still studied around the world today.
- 毛孔 (mōkō) — pore (of the skin)
This is a practical and common compound, referring to the tiny openings in the skin from which hair grows or sweat is released.
- 毛孔をきれいにすることは肌の健康に重要です。
(Mōkō o kirei ni suru koto wa hada no kenkō ni jūyō desu.) — Keeping pores clean is important for skin health.
- 鼻孔 (bikō) — nostril
Refers specifically to the openings of the nose. It's a more formal or anatomical term compared to the more common 鼻の穴 (hana no ana).
- 鼻孔から新鮮な空気を吸い込んだ。
(Bikō kara shinsen na kūki o suikonda.) — I inhaled fresh air through my nostrils.
- 気孔 (kikō) — stomata (plant pores), air hole
Used in biology to refer to the pores on the surface of leaves that regulate gas exchange, or generally any air hole.
- 植物は気孔を通して呼吸します。
(Shokubutsu wa kikō o tōshite kokyū shimasu.) — Plants breathe through their stomata.
- 穿孔 (senkō) — perforation, boring a hole
This compound refers to the act of making a hole, often through drilling or punching. It's a technical term.
- 岩石に穿孔する作業は危険が伴います。
(Ganseki ni senkō suru sagyō wa kiken ga tomonaimasu.) — The work of perforating rocks involves danger.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Unlike many other kanji, 孔 (KOU) doesn't have a common or direct kun'yomi (native Japanese reading) used in standalone words today. While its meaning is related to 'hole' or 'opening,' this concept is mostly conveyed by its on'yomi compounds (as seen above). Otherwise, the kanji 穴 (ana), which directly means 'hole' and has a clear kun'yomi, is used. Some historical texts or very specific proper nouns might occasionally use obscure kun'yomi for 孔. However, for practical N1 study and everyday Japanese, learners should focus entirely on its on'yomi, コウ, and its compound forms. Therefore, no common example words with kun'yomi are provided, as they are not practical for common use.
Common Words & Compounds
Here are more common words and compounds featuring 孔, grouped by category to aid understanding:
Biological & Medical Terms
- 毛孔 (mōkō) — pore (of the skin). Useful for discussing dermatology or skin care.
- 鼻孔 (bikō) — nostril. Used in anatomical descriptions.
- 気孔 (kikō) — stomata (plant pores), air hole. Found in botanical contexts.
- 細孔 (saikō) — small hole, pore. A general term for microscopic openings.
- 孔隙 (kōgeki) — gap, crevice, interstice. Used to describe small spaces, often in scientific or engineering contexts.
General & Technical Terms
- 穿孔 (senkō) — perforation, boring a hole. Refers to the action of making a hole.
- 孔版 (kōhan) — stencil, mimeograph. A printing method involving a stencil with holes.
- 開孔 (kaikō) — opening (a hole or aperture). The act of creating or uncovering an opening.
- 無数の孔 (musū no kō) — countless holes/pores. Emphasizes a multitude of small openings.
Historical & Proper Nouns
- 孔子 (Kōshi) — Confucius. The most important proper noun using 孔.
- 孔子廟 (kōshibyō) — Confucian temple. A temple dedicated to Confucius.
- 孔雀 (kujaku) — peacock. This is an ateji (当て字), where the kanji are used for their sounds rather than their meanings. 孔 here does not mean 'hole,' but it's a very common word.
- 孔雀石 (kujakuishi) — malachite (literally 'peacock stone'). A mineral named for its resemblance to a peacock's plumage.
Example Sentences
肌の毛孔が開きっぱなしだと、汚れが詰まりやすいです。
Hada no mōkō ga hirakippanashi da to, yogore ga tsumariyasui desu.
If your skin pores (毛孔) remain open, dirt can easily clog them.
孔子の思想は東アジアの文化に大きな影響を与えました。
Kōshi no shisō wa Higashi Ajia no bunka ni ōkina eikyō o ataemashita.
Confucius's (孔子) philosophy greatly influenced East Asian culture.
深呼吸すると、鼻孔から体に新鮮な空気が満ちるのが分かります。
Shinkokyū suru to, bikō kara karada ni shinsen na kūki ga michiru no ga wakarimasu.
When you take a deep breath, you can feel fresh air filling your body through your nostrils (鼻孔).
植物の葉には、水蒸気を放出するための気孔があります。
Shokubutsu no ha ni wa, suijōki o hōshutsu suru tame no kikō ga arimasu.
Plant leaves have stomata (気孔) for releasing water vapor.
壁に穿孔する際は、周囲に注意してください。
Kabe ni senkō suru sai wa, shūi ni chūi shite kudasai.
Please be careful of your surroundings when perforating (穿孔) the wall.
新しい印刷システムは孔版を使っています。
Atarashii insatsu shisutemu wa kōhan o tsukatte imasu.
The new printing system uses stenciling (孔版).
微細な孔が多く開いている素材は吸水性が高いです。
Bisai na kō ga ōku aiteiru sozai wa kyūsuisei ga takai desu.
Materials with many minute holes (孔) have high water absorption.
動物園で孔雀の美しい羽根を見ました。
Dōbutsuen de kujaku no utsukushii hane o mimashita.
I saw the beautiful feathers of a peacock (孔雀) at the zoo.
地中の孔隙に水が溜まっていた。
Chichū no kōgeki ni mizu ga tamatte ita.
Water had accumulated in the crevices (孔隙) underground.
Memory Tip
To remember 孔, you can associate its shape with its most common meanings. Imagine the radical 子 (child, person) at the bottom, which looks like a child or person. Above it, visualize an opening or a hole. Perhaps a child peeking through a small opening in a wall, or looking up into a 'hole' in the sky. You can also strongly link it to its most famous association: 孔子 (Kōshi), or Confucius. Think of 孔 as representing the 'great' or 'wise' individual, Confucius, and then remember that this kanji also means a physical 'hole' or 'opening.' The connection between a 'great mind' and the ability to 'penetrate' or 'open up' new ideas can help bridge these seemingly different meanings.