Meaning
The kanji 恭 (kyō) represents the Japanese concepts of respect, reverence, politeness, and humility. It describes a deeply deferential and courteous state of being, often shown through actions that express profound regard for someone or something.
Its structure also reveals insights into its meaning. The kanji 恭 combines three main elements: 廿 (a variant of 廾, representing two hands joined respectfully), 共 (kyō/tomo, meaning “together” or “common”), and 心 (kokoro, meaning “heart” or “mind”).
This combination visually suggests holding something with both hands, sharing a common sentiment of respect, and doing so with a sincere heart. Imagine someone bowing deeply, hands clasped, expressing heartfelt reverence. This illustrates how inner sincerity (心) is outwardly expressed through respectful gestures (廾) in social interactions (共).
With 10 strokes, 恭 is a joyo kanji taught in secondary school (Grade S). As an N1 JLPT kanji, it's important for understanding nuanced expressions of politeness and deference in advanced Japanese communication.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 恭 is キョウ (kyō). This Chinese-derived reading is mainly used in compound words, often conveying formal or solemn aspects of respect and humility. You'll frequently encounter it in set phrases and expressions, especially in written Japanese or very formal spoken contexts.
恭賀新年 (kyōga shinnen) — This is a traditional and highly formal New Year's greeting, meaning "Happy New Year." It literally translates to "respectfully celebrate the New Year," embodying the spirit of deference and good wishes.
恭順 (kyōjun) — Meaning "obedience," "submission," or "deference." This term implies yielding to authority or complying respectfully with someone's wishes, often in a political or social context, indicating a humble acceptance.
恭敬 (kyōkei) — This compound means "respect" or "reverence," emphasizing deep admiration and veneration, especially towards elders, deities, or highly esteemed individuals, signifying profound honor.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi reading for 恭 is うやうや.しい (uyauya.shii). This adjective directly describes something or someone as "reverent," "respectful," "polite," or "deferential." It conveys a native Japanese sense of humble and sincere respect, often describing actions or attitudes rather than abstract concepts.
恭しい (uyauyashii) — This is the base adjectival form, describing an action, manner, or person as being deeply respectful and polite. For example, a "恭しい態度" (uyauyashii taido) means a respectful attitude.
恭しく (uyauyashiku) — This is the adverbial form, meaning "reverently," "respectfully," or "politely." It is used to describe how an action is performed, such as "恭しくお辞儀をする" (uyauyashiku ojigi o suru), meaning "to bow respectfully."
恭しき (uyauyashiki) — This is an archaic or literary attributive form of the adjective, often seen in older texts or very formal contexts, directly preceding a noun to modify it, similar to the modern 恭しい. It maintains a dignified and traditional tone.
Common Words & Compounds
You'll find 恭 in many words and compounds, mostly conveying meanings related to respect, humility, and formal courtesy. Learning these terms is key to understanding advanced Japanese communication, particularly in formal or traditional settings.
Formal Greetings & Expressions:
恭賀 (kyōga) — Congratulations, felicitations (a formal and respectful expression of congratulations, often used in written form, particularly in formal letters).
恭賀新年 (kyōga shinnen) — Happy New Year (the most formal and traditional New Year's greeting, often seen on greeting cards and official correspondence, expressing deep respect for the recipient).
Attitudes & Dispositions:
恭順 (kyōjun) — Obedience, submission, deference (implies a respectful willingness to comply with authority or customs).
恭敬 (kyōkei) — Respect, reverence (a strong sense of honor and admiration, often spiritual or towards highly esteemed individuals).
恭倹 (kyōken) — Modesty and humility (emphasizes being humble and self-restrained in one's conduct and speech, showing a lack of arrogance).
恭謙 (kyōken) — Modesty and humility (similar to 恭倹, often used interchangeably, highlighting a humble and unpretentious character).
恭しい態度 (uyauyashii taido) — A respectful attitude (describes a demeanor that conveys deep politeness, often through posture and expression).
Actions & Manners:
恭しく (uyauyashiku) — Reverently, respectfully, politely (the adverbial form, describing how an action is performed with great deference).
恭しい言葉 (uyauyashii kotoba) — Respectful words (speech that demonstrates politeness and deference, carefully chosen to honor the listener).
恭しくお辞儀 (uyauyashiku ojigi) — The act of bowing respectfully (describes performing a bow with deep reverence and sincerity).
Example Sentences
彼は恭しい態度で客を迎えた。
Kare wa uyauyashii taido de kyaku o mukaeta.
He welcomed the guest with a respectful attitude.
店員は恭しく品物を差し出した。
Ten'in wa uyauyashiku shinamono o sashidashita.
The clerk respectfully offered the item.
この手紙は恭賀新年の挨拶で始まる。
Kono tegami wa kyōga shinnen no aisatsu de hajimaru.
This letter begins with a formal New Year's greeting.
彼は上司に対して常に恭順の姿勢を保っている。
Kare wa jōshi ni taishite tsune ni kyōjun no shisei o tamotte iru.
He always maintains an obedient attitude towards his superior.
その寺では、人々が恭敬の念をもって祈りを捧げていた。
Sono tera de wa, hitobito ga kyōkei no nen o motte inori o sasagete ita.
At that temple, people offered prayers with a sense of deep reverence.
彼の恭倹な振る舞いは皆に好感を抱かせた。
Kare no kyōken na furumai wa mina ni kōkan o idakaseta.
His modest behavior made a good impression on everyone.
その役者は舞台上で恭しい身のこなしを見せた。
Sono yakusha wa butaijō de uyauyashii minokonashi o miseta.
The actor displayed reverent movements on stage.
外交官は相手国の首脳に恭しい言葉を述べた。
Gaikōkan wa aikokoku no shunō ni uyauyashii kotoba o nobetsuta.
The diplomat spoke respectful words to the head of the opposing nation.
茶道では、すべての所作が恭しく行われる。
Chadō de wa, subete no shosa ga uyauyashiku okonawareru.
In the tea ceremony, all movements are performed reverently.
Memory Tip
To remember 恭, visualize its components: 廿 (a variant of 廾, representing two hands joined respectfully) + 共 (together, common) + 心 (heart). Imagine someone holding something sacred or important "together" with "two hands" from their "heart" as a gesture of deep "respect" or "reverence." Picture a humble person clasping their hands and bowing, showing sincere deference. The two hands (廾) come together (共) from the heart (心) to show profound respect (恭). This mental image connects the visual form directly to its core meaning of respect and humility, aiding recall.