Meaning
The N1 kanji 幹 (かん, みき) primarily means "trunk," specifically referring to the main stem of a tree. By extension, it also signifies the "main part," "core," or "body" of anything, such as the core of a project or system. Furthermore, it can denote a "cadre" or "executive," representing the essential, leading members of an organization.
Its etymology offers insightful clues. The kanji 幹 is composed of two main elements: 木 (き - tree) on the right, clearly indicating its connection to trees and woody structures. On the left is 干 (かん - shield, dry). While 干 can mean "dry" or "shield," here it primarily serves as a phonetic component, providing the "kan" sound. However, it also subtly reinforces the meaning, perhaps alluding to something solid, firm, or central, like a shield, or the sturdy, enduring nature of a main trunk. Together, 木 and 干 evoke the image of a strong, central column of a tree.
Visually, imagine the robust, central part of a tree (木) standing firm, almost like a shield (干) protecting its core. This combination perfectly captures the essence of a main trunk—a fundamental and supportive structure. From this concrete image, the meaning expands abstractly to represent the core or essential part of any structure, organization, or concept.
The kanji 幹 has 13 strokes and is a Jōyō Kanji. While not assigned to a specific elementary school grade, it is typically learned in secondary education, often categorized as Grade 8 or 'S' (for Supplementary Jōyō).
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 幹 is カン (KAN). You'll often find this reading in compound words, particularly when referring to a core, main part, or leadership role within an organization or system. It carries a more formal or administrative nuance than its Kun'yomi counterpart.
- 幹部 (kanbu) — This means "executive," "management," or "leadership." It refers to the core members who manage or lead an organization.
例：会社の幹部が新しい計画について議論した。
The company executives discussed the new plan.
- 幹事 (kanji) — This refers to an "organizer," "secretary," or "coordinator." It denotes someone who takes charge of arrangements for a meeting, party, or event.
例：忘年会の幹事は彼が担当する。
He will be in charge of organizing the year-end party.
- 新幹線 (shinkansen) — This is the famous "bullet train" system in Japan. Literally, it means "new main line," illustrating the concept of a primary transportation route.
例：東京から大阪まで新幹線で行きました。
I went from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading) for 幹 is みき (miki). This reading is almost exclusively used when referring to the physical "trunk" or "main stem" of a tree or plant, evoking a direct, natural image.
- 幹 (miki) — This is the most common usage, directly meaning "tree trunk" or "main stem." It can be used alone to refer to the central, woody part of a tree.
例：あの木の幹はとても太くて立派だ。
That tree's trunk is very thick and magnificent.
- 樹幹 (jukan) — While this compound uses the On'yomi カン, 樹幹 specifically refers to a "tree trunk" or "boll" in a more formal or botanical context. It's an interesting example where the concept expressed by the Kun'yomi みき is conveyed through an On'yomi compound.
例：老木の樹幹には歴史が刻まれている。
The tree trunk of the old tree bears the marks of history.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 幹 appears in many terms, reflecting its core meanings of "main part" and "trunk." Below are common compounds, organized by theme to help you grasp their usage:
- Organizational/Leadership Terms:
- 幹部 (kanbu) — Executive, management, leadership (the core group of an organization).
- 幹事 (kanji) — Organizer, secretary, coordinator (the person managing the main arrangements).
- 幹事長 (kanjichō) — Chief secretary, secretary general (a senior organizing role, common in politics).
- 主要幹部 (shuyō kanbu) — Key executives, principal officers.
- Infrastructure/System Terms:
- 新幹線 (shinkansen) — Bullet train (literally “new main line”).
- 幹線 (kansen) — Main line, main road (a primary route for transportation or communication).
- 基幹 (kikan) — Vital, basic, core, fundamental (essential infrastructure or industry).
- 基幹産業 (kikan sangyō) — Key industries, basic industries.
- Nature/Biological Terms:
- 幹 (miki) — Tree trunk, main stem (the physical main body of a tree).
- 樹幹 (jukan) — Tree trunk (a more formal or botanical term for a tree trunk).
- 語幹 (gokan) — Word stem, root (in linguistics, the main unchanging part of a word).
- 神経幹 (shinkeikan) — Nerve trunk (a main bundle of nerve fibers).
Example Sentences
桜の木の幹は年々太くなっている。
Sakura no ki no miki wa nennen futoku natte iru.
The cherry tree's trunk is getting thicker year by year.
彼はパーティーの幹事を引き受けた。
Kare wa pātī no kanji o hikiuketa.
He took on the role of organizer for the party.
新幹線は日本の主要な交通手段です。
Shinkansen wa Nihon no shuyō na kōtsū shudan desu.
The Shinkansen is a major mode of transportation in Japan.
会社の幹部たちは、将来の戦略を練っている。
Kaisha no kanbu-tachi wa, shōrai no senryaku o nette iru.
The company executives are formulating future strategies.
この道路は都市を結ぶ幹線です。
Kono dōro wa toshi o musubu kansen desu.
This road is a main line connecting the cities.
古い樫の樹幹には長い歴史が刻まれている。
Furui kashi no jukan ni wa nagai rekishi ga kizamarete iru.
A long history is etched into the trunk of the old oak tree.
基幹産業は経済の安定に不可欠です。
Kikan sangyō wa keizai no antei ni fukaketsu desu.
Basic industries are indispensable for economic stability.
日本語の動詞には、語幹と語尾があります。
Nihongo no dōshi ni wa, gokan to gobi ga arimasu.
Japanese verbs have a stem and an ending.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 幹, visualize a strong, central pillar. It's composed of 木 (tree) on the right and 干 (dry or shield) on the left. Imagine a magnificent tree (木) whose trunk has grown so sturdy and firm that it's as solid as a shield (干). Alternatively, visualize the main trunk as the "dry" (干) part of the "wood" (木) that supports the entire structure. This solid, unmoving "dry wood" forms the essential "trunk" or "main part" of the tree, and by extension, the core of an organization.