Meaning
The kanji 属 carries several meanings, primarily related to 'belonging,' 'affiliation,' 'genus' (in biology), 'subordination,' or 'attributes.' At its core, it signifies connection and classification—an entity being part of, or characterized by, a larger group or quality.
Its etymological roots are quite interesting, though somewhat debated. The character is composed of two main parts. On the left is 尸, which can mean 'corpse' or 'body.' However, it can also represent a person sitting, a container, or even a flag. The right component, 蜀, originally depicted a silkworm or referred to an ancient region (Shu, modern-day Sichuan).
In the context of 属, 蜀 is often considered a phonetic component that contributes the 'zoku' sound. It can also subtly hint at something 'attached' or 'connected,' much like a silkworm is attached to its cocoon or a silk thread. Together, 尸 (representing a category or body) and 蜀 (implying attachment or providing the sound) combine to form the meaning of something being 'attached to' or 'belonging to' a specific group or characteristic.
You can visualize 尸 as a boundary or category, and 蜀 as an item placed within it or identified with it. This connection to a larger whole or definition is central to its meaning. The kanji has 13 strokes and is considered a Joyo Kanji, typically learned at an advanced level, corresponding to Grade 8 or JLPT N1.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 属 is ゾク (zoku). This reading is very common and appears in nearly all compound words containing 属. It strongly conveys the kanji's core meanings: belonging, classification, or attributes, often in formal or technical contexts.
- 所属 (shozoku) — affiliation, belonging, being attached to (e.g., a company, club).
例：彼はこの会社の所属です。
(He is affiliated with this company.)
- 金属 (kinzoku) — metal (a material belonging to a specific category).
例：鉄は金属の一種です。
(Iron is a type of metal.)
- 属性 (zokusei) — attribute, property, characteristic (a quality belonging to something).
例：このデータには複数の属性があります。
(This data has multiple attributes.)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Although 属 doesn't have a standalone Kun'yomi reading for a common noun or adjective, it frequently forms part of verbs that mean 'to belong to' or 'to be affiliated with.' These verbs are typically written with the kanji followed by hiragana.
- -ぞくする (-zokusu suru) — to belong to, to be affiliated with. This is the most common verb form using 属.
例：そのチームに属する選手は強い。
(The players belonging to that team are strong.)
- -ぞくす (-zokusu) — a slightly more formal or literary variant of '-ぞくする', also meaning 'to belong to' or 'to be affiliated with'. It conveys a similar sense of connection or categorization.
例：この種はバラ科に属す。
(This species belongs to the rose family.)
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 属 forms many compounds, reflecting its various meanings related to belonging, classification, and characteristics. Here are some common examples, categorized for easier understanding:
Affiliation & Belonging
- 所属 (shozoku) — affiliation, belonging, attached to (e.g., a group, organization).
- 帰属 (kizoku) — reversion, attribution, belonging to (e.g., property rights, responsibilities).
- 直属 (chokuzoku) — direct subordination, direct affiliation (e.g., a manager's direct subordinates).
- 専属 (senzoku) — exclusive, specially assigned (e.g., a lawyer exclusively affiliated with one client).
Classification & Categories
- 属性 (zokusei) — attribute, property, characteristic (a distinguishing quality).
- 種族 (shuzoku) — race, tribe, species, genus (often used in a biological or anthropological context).
- 同族 (dōzoku) — same family/clan, related, kindred (belonging to the same lineage or group).
- 科属 (kazoku) — family and genus (biological classification terms).
Things & Materials
- 金属 (kinzoku) — metal (a category of elements).
- 非金属 (hikinzoku) — non-metal.
- 希少金属 (kishō kinzoku) — rare metal, rare earth metal.
Verbs & Actions
- 所属する (shozoku suru) — to belong to, to be affiliated with.
- 帰属する (kizoku suru) — to belong to, to be attributed to.
Example Sentences
この会社に所属しています。
Kono kaisha ni shozoku shiteimasu.
I belong to this company.
彼はどの部に属していますか？
Kare wa dono bu ni zokushiteimasu ka?
Which department does he belong to?
鉄は金属の一種です。
Tetsu wa kinzoku no isshu desu.
Iron is a type of metal.
その植物はバラ科に属します。
Sono shokubutsu wa bara ka ni zokushimasu.
That plant belongs to the rose family.
このキャラクターには複数の属性があります。
Kono kyarakutā ni wa fukusū no zokusei ga arimasu.
This character has multiple attributes.
野生の動物は特定の生息地に属します。
Yasei no dōbutsu wa tokutei no seisokuchi ni zokushimasu.
Wild animals belong to specific habitats.
彼の意見は、どの政治団体にも属さない中立的なものです。
Kare no iken wa, dono seiji dantai ni mo zokusanai chūritsuteki na mono desu.
His opinion is neutral, belonging to no political organization.
弊社は環境保護団体に帰属する一部門です。
Heisha wa kankyō hogo dantai ni kizoku suru ichibumon desu.
Our company is a division belonging to an environmental protection organization.
遺伝子の特定の属性が、その生物の特徴を決定します。
Idenshi no tokutei no zokusei ga, sono seibutsu no tokuchō o kettei shimasu.
Specific attributes of genes determine the characteristics of that organism.
所有権は会社に帰属し、個人には属しません。
Shoyūken wa kaisha ni kizoku shi, kojin ni wa zokushimasen.
Ownership belongs to the company and does not belong to individuals.
Memory Tip
To remember 属, break it down into its components: 尸 on the left, which you can visualize as a 'container' or 'category' (though it also means 'corpse'), and 蜀 on the right, which represents a silkworm or provides the phonetic 'zoku' sound.
Imagine a silkworm (蜀) snugly inside its cocoon, a 'container' (尸), indicating that it 'belongs' to that cocoon. Alternatively, think of a 'body' (尸) with a tag (蜀, resembling a complex attachment) that indicates what group it 'belongs' to. The sound 'zoku' can also be associated with 'to stick' or 'to attach,' reinforcing the idea of belonging or affiliation.