Meaning
The N1 kanji 拠 (キョ, よ.る) primarily conveys meanings like 'base,' 'foundation,' 'rely on,' 'depend on,' 'evidence,' or 'occupy.' It combines two main elements: the radical 手 (てへん) on the left, signifying 'hand' or 'action,' and 巨 (キョ) on the right, meaning 'giant' or 'large.' As a phonetic-semantic compound, 手 provides a semantic hint related to action, while 巨 primarily contributes to the sound.
Visually, the 'hand' radical suggests actions like holding, supporting, or establishing. Combined with 巨, which implies something substantial, large, or firm, the character clearly conveys 'to base oneself on' or 'to rely upon.' It also implies 'to establish a stronghold.' One might imagine using their 'hand' to firmly establish something 'giant' or significant, creating a solid 'foundation' or 'base.' Ultimately, 拠 signifies taking a stand, drawing support from, or having a solid ground for a claim or location.
With 8 strokes, 拠 is a moderately complex kanji. As an N1 character, it is not taught in Japanese elementary school (Grade level: Unlisted/0). However, it is essential for advanced Japanese proficiency, appearing frequently in academic, legal, and formal contexts. Its core concept revolves around establishing a position, deriving support, or providing a factual basis for something.
Readings
The kanji 拠 has both On'yomi (Chinese-derived) and Kun'yomi (native Japanese) readings. Each reading is used in different contexts and compound words. Mastering these readings is key to understanding its full usage.
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 拠 is キョ (kyo). This reading appears frequently in many common and formal compound words, often relating to 'basis,' 'foundation,' 'evidence,' or 'occupation.'
根拠 (konkyo) — basis, foundation, ground, evidence. This term refers to the underlying facts or principles upon which something is based.
その主張には根拠がない。 (That claim has no basis.)
科学的な根拠を示す必要がある。 (It is necessary to show scientific evidence.)
拠点 (kyoten) — a base, a stronghold, a point of operation. It designates a fixed location used for specific activities or as a center of operations.
敵の拠点を攻撃する。 (Attack the enemy's base.)
新しい事業の拠点を設ける。 (Establish a new business base.)
証拠 (shouko) — evidence, proof. This term is vital in legal and investigative contexts, referring to tangible facts or information that supports a claim.
犯行の証拠を集める。 (Gather evidence of the crime.)
物的証拠が見つかった。 (Physical evidence was found.)
While some dictionaries list コ (ko) as an On'yomi for 拠, this reading is exceedingly rare in modern common usage. It typically appears only in very specialized or historical contexts, or as an alternate reading for other kanji like 據. For practical purposes, focusing on キョ will cover the vast majority of cases.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The principal Kun'yomi for 拠 is よ.る (yoru). This reading is used when the kanji stands alone or is combined with okurigana (送り仮名) to form a verb. It carries meanings such as 'to rely on,' 'to be based on,' or 'to come from.'
拠る (yoru) — to be based on, to depend on. This verb expresses the act of founding something on a principle or relying on something for support.
その判断は彼の経験に拠る。 (That judgment is based on his experience.)
最新のデータに拠ると、経済は回復傾向にある。 (According to the latest data, the economy is recovering.)
拠り所 (yoridokoro) — a place to rely on, a basis, a support. This noun refers to something one can depend on or use as a foundation.
彼にとって家族は唯一の拠り所だ。 (Family is his only emotional support.)
精神的な拠り所を探す。 (To seek spiritual support.)
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 拠 forms many important compound words, particularly in formal, legal, academic, and military contexts. These words often relate to establishing a base, providing evidence, or adhering to principles.
Foundation & Evidence
- 根拠 (konkyo) — basis, foundation, ground, evidence.
This refers to the fundamental facts or logic used to support an argument or claim.
- 証拠 (shouko) — evidence, proof.
This refers to material or information that proves a fact or statement, often in a legal sense.
- 論拠 (ronkyo) — grounds for argument, basis for a debate.
It represents the foundation upon which an argument is built.
- 確証 (kakushou) — concrete evidence, firm proof.
This refers to undeniable evidence that confirms something.
Location & Occupation
- 拠点 (kyoten) — a base, a stronghold, a point of operation.
A strategic location used for operations, defense, or as a central point.
- 本拠地 (honkyochi) — home base, headquarters.
The primary base or main operating location of an organization, team, or individual.
- 占拠 (senkyo) — occupation, seizure, taking possession.
This term describes the act of taking over and holding a place, often by force or without permission.
- 進出拠点 (shinshutsu kyoten) — advance base, foothold.
It denotes a base established for expanding into new territory or markets.
Action & Dependence
- 準拠 (junkyo) — conformity, compliance, based on.
It signifies adhering to standards, rules, or a reference point.
- 依拠 (ikyo) — reliance, dependence.
This describes the act of depending or relying on something for support or legitimacy.
- 拠出 (kyoshutsu) — contribution (of money or goods).
This refers to the act of providing funds or resources for a common purpose, like a financial contribution or donation of goods.
- 援拠 (enkyo) — citing (as evidence).
This refers to quoting or referring to something as support or proof.
Example Sentences
その説には確かな根拠がある。
Sono setsu ni wa tashika na konkyo ga aru.
There is solid evidence for that theory.
警察は新しい証拠に拠って捜査を進めた。
Keisatsu wa atarashii shouko ni yotte sousa o susumeta.
The police proceeded with the investigation based on new evidence.
彼らは山奥に秘密の拠点を築いた。
Karera wa yamaoku ni himitsu no kyoten o kizuita.
They built a secret base deep in the mountains.
歴史的な資料に拠ると、その町は1000年前に創設された。
Rekishiteki na shiryō ni yoru to, sono machi wa sennen mae ni sōsetsu sareta.
According to historical documents, the town was founded 1000 years ago.
企業は海外に生産拠点を広げている。
Kigyō wa kaigai ni seisan kyoten o hirogete iru.
The company is expanding its production bases overseas.
平和的な解決策を見出すのが私たちの唯一の拠り所だ。
Heiwateki na kaiketsusaku o miidasu no ga watashitachi no yuiitsu no yoridokoro da.
Finding a peaceful solution is our only recourse (thing to rely on).
彼の発言は何を根拠としているのか不明だ。
Kare no hatsugen wa nani o konkyo to shite iru no ka fumei da.
It's unclear what his statement is based on.
政府は国際法に準拠して行動した。
Seifu wa kokusaihō ni junkyo shite kōdō shita.
The government acted in compliance with international law.
調査の結果に拠り、新しい計画を立てた。
Chōsa no kekka ni yori, atarashii keikaku o tateta.
Based on the survey results, a new plan was made.
Memory Tip
To remember 拠, visualize using your hand (手, the radical on the left) to establish or rely on something giant or firm (巨, the phonetic component on the right). Imagine someone firmly planting a large, stable structure with their hand, creating a secure 'base' or 'foundation.' This visual can help you link the components to the core meanings of 'base,' 'foundation,' 'rely on,' and 'evidence.' You can also think of using your 'hand' to point to 'giant' proof or to build a 'giant' stronghold. Another way to remember it is that you need a 'giant' (巨) amount of 'evidence' (拠) which you can 'hand' (手) over as 'proof'.