Meaning
The kanji 択 (タク, えら.ぶ) primarily means to 'choose', 'select', or 'prefer'. It denotes the process of selecting one option from several, often with deliberation. While it often overlaps in meaning with 選 (えら.ぶ) and they can be used interchangeably in some contexts, 択 tends to carry a slightly more formal or deliberate nuance, especially when part of compound words.
The kanji 択 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The left-hand radical 扌 (てへん) means 'hand,' providing a semantic clue that the character involves an action performed with the hands, such as picking or selecting. The right-hand component 尺 (しゃく or せき), meaning 'foot' or 'measure,' serves as a phonetic component, contributing to the 'taku' reading. Interestingly, 尺 can also be symbolically interpreted as 'measuring' or 'discerning' options before a choice is made, adding another layer to the meaning. Its traditional Chinese form, 擇, features the component 睪 on the right. This component means 'to test' or 'to examine,' which further emphasizes the deliberative aspect of selection. The Japanese kanji 択 is a simplification of this more complex character.
Visually, the 'hand' radical on the left clearly points to an action of picking or choosing, making the connection to its core meaning quite intuitive. With only seven strokes, 択 has relatively few for an N1 kanji, making it visually distinct and easier to remember once its components are understood. As an N1 kanji, 択 is typically encountered in advanced Japanese texts and is not part of the elementary or junior high school curriculum.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi readings originate from Chinese pronunciations. They are primarily used in kanji compounds and often lend a more formal or academic tone to words.
タク (taku): タク is the most common On'yomi for 択. It appears in a wide range of words related to selection and choice, generally conveying the sense of picking or making a decision.
選択 (sentaku) — choice, selection, option. This is perhaps the most common compound, referring to the act of choosing or the resulting choice itself.
採択 (saitaku) — adoption (of a proposal), selection, acceptance. Often used in formal contexts, such as a legislative body adopting a resolution or a committee accepting a proposal.
択一 (takuitsu) — alternative, choosing one of two or more options. It implies a situation where only one choice can be made from a limited set of options.
テク (teku): This reading is less common in contemporary Japanese, but it surfaces in specific, often specialized or older terms. For N1 learners, it's beneficial to recognize its existence.
択伐 (tekubatsu) — selective cutting (in forestry), a method of harvesting trees where only certain trees are chosen for removal.
択一制 (tekuitsusei) — This is an older or more formal term for a system that requires making a single choice from alternatives. It is sometimes seen in academic or historical texts. While 択一 is the common term, てくいつ exists as a variant reading.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi readings connect the kanji directly to native Japanese words, typically verbs or adjectives. This allows the kanji to function seamlessly within Japanese sentence structures.
えら.ぶ (era.bu): えら.ぶ is the primary Kun'yomi for 択, though it is far more commonly written with the kanji 選 (えら.ぶ). When 択 is used for this reading, it often implies a more deliberate, careful, or discerning selection, or it appears in certain established compounds. It translates directly to 'to choose,' 'to select,' or 'to pick out.'
選び出す (erabidasu) — to pick out, select, choose out. This compound emphasizes the action of picking something out or from a group, often implying extraction through selection.
選び抜く (erabinuku) — to choose carefully, to select the best, or to pick out with great discernment. It implies a thorough and exhaustive selection process.
選り択る (yori suguru) — to select carefully, to handpick the best. While usually written as 選りすぐる, the use of 択 here specifically highlights the core meaning of meticulous selection.
Common Words & Compounds
To aid in understanding their usage and nuance, here are common words and compounds using the kanji 択, categorized by theme:
General Choice and Selection
- 選択 (sentaku) — choice, selection, option. This is the most fundamental compound.
- 選択肢 (sentakushi) — choices, options, alternatives. Refers to the available items, choices, or courses of action one can choose from. For example, in a multiple-choice test, the options are the 選択肢.
- 択一 (takuitsu) — alternative, choosing one of two or more. Often used when a single decision must be made from a limited set of choices, such as in a yes/no question.
- 選択制 (sentakusei) — elective system; a system where choices are offered, allowing individuals to select. For example, 選択科目制 is a system where students can choose elective subjects.
- 選択的 (sentakuteki) — selective; characterized by the act of making a choice or selection. For instance, 選択的記憶 refers to selective memory.
Decision Making and Formal Adoption
- 採択 (saitaku) — adoption (of a proposal), selection, acceptance. Typically used for formal decisions, such as approving a plan, adopting a motion, or accepting a proposal.
- 二者択一 (nishatakuitsu) — a choice between two alternatives; a dilemma. For example, "It's a two-choice situation: take the job or continue studying."
- 三者択一 (sanshatakuitsu) — a choice among three alternatives.
- 多肢選択 (tashisentaku) — multiple choice, typically referring to questions in a test where you select one answer from several given options.
- 択一問題 (takuitsu mondai) — a multiple-choice question, or any question requiring one specific answer from a set of given options, often implying a 'choose one' scenario.
Specialized Contexts
- 選択科目 (sentaku kamoku) — elective subject; optional course (in education).
- 選択理論 (sentaku riron) — choice theory (a psychological theory).
- 択伐 (tekubatsu) — selective cutting (in forestry), where specific trees are chosen for harvesting.
- 撰択 (sentaku) — selection, choice. This is an older or more formal variant of 選択, often encountered in classical texts or highly specialized contexts, carrying a nuance of careful selection or compilation.
Example Sentences
人生は、選択の連続である。
Jinsei wa, sentaku no renzoku de aru.
Life is a series of choices.
彼は難しい選択を迫られた。
Kare wa muzukashii sentaku o semarareta.
He was forced to make a difficult choice.
この問題は二者択一の形式で出題される。
Kono mondai wa nishatakuitsu no keishiki de shutsudai sareru.
This question will be presented in a two-choice format.
委員会で、その提案が満場一致で採択された。
Iinkai de, sono teian ga manjouitchi de saitaku sareta.
The proposal was unanimously adopted by the committee.
高校では複数の選択科目から選べる。
Koukou de wa fukusū no sentaku kamoku kara eraberu.
At high school, you can choose from multiple elective subjects.
自分の将来を左右する重要な選択だ。
Jibun no shōrai o sayū suru jūyō na sentaku da.
It's an important choice that will determine my future.
彼は常に最善の選択肢を求めている。
Kare wa tsune ni saizen no sentakushi o motomete iru.
He is always seeking the best option.
多くの選択肢が提示された場合、慎重な判断が求められる。
Ōku no sentakushi ga teiji sareta baai, shinchō na handan ga motomerareru.
When many options are presented, careful judgment is required.
将来の進路について、まだ最終的な選択ができていない。
Shōrai no shinro ni tsuite, mada saishūteki na sentaku ga dekite inai.
I haven't made a final decision about my future career path yet.
彼の提案は委員会によって無事採択された。
Kare no teian wa iinkai ni yotte buji saitaku sareta.
His proposal was successfully adopted by the committee.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 択, focus on its distinct components. The left side is the radical 扌 (てへん), which means "hand." This immediately connects to the idea of performing an action, specifically picking or selecting. The right side is 尺 (しゃく), which can mean "ruler" or "measure." Imagine using your "hand" (扌) to meticulously "measure" or weigh different options with a "ruler" (尺) before making your final "choice" (択). This simple, memorable story effectively links the visual components to the core meaning of selection.