Meaning
The N1 kanji 提 (テイ, さげる, かかげる, ひっさげる) conveys a broad spectrum of meanings related to 'proposing,' 'offering,' 'presenting,' 'carrying by hand,' and 'lifting.' At its core, it signifies bringing something forward, whether physically with one's hands or abstractly as an idea or suggestion.
Looking at its etymology helps us grasp its core meanings. The left-hand radical, 手 (て), literally means 'hand.' This is a crucial clue, indicating that the kanji's actions fundamentally involve using one's hands—whether for holding, lifting, carrying, or extending something.
The right-hand component, 是 (ぜ / shih), primarily serves as a phonetic element, giving the kanji its 'テイ' sound. While 是 itself means 'correct' or 'this,' its semantic contribution to 提 is less direct. However, some learners find it helpful to create a mnemonic by associating 'correctly' holding or presenting something. Ultimately, combining the 'hand' radical with this phonetic element creates a character that signifies actions of extending, presenting, or holding something up or down.
Visually, the 'hand' radical strongly emphasizes the physical actions of carrying or presenting. Upon seeing 提, one can easily picture a hand holding or extending an object, perhaps a bag or a lantern, or even an abstract idea. The various kun'yomi readings further highlight these nuanced actions: さげる (to carry downwards), かかげる (to hoist upwards), and ひっさげる (to carry with purpose or importance).
The kanji 提 has 12 strokes. As an N1 level kanji, it is not taught within the standard elementary school grades (Grade 1-6). Instead, it forms part of the extensive vocabulary required for advanced Japanese proficiency.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main on'yomi for 提 is テイ (TEI). You'll frequently encounter this reading in formal, abstract, and technical settings, especially when discussing proposals, provisions, and official statements.
- 提案 (teian) — proposal, suggestion. This is one of the most common compounds, used when putting forward an idea or plan.
- 提供 (teikyō) — offer, provide, supply. Often seen in business contexts or when a service is made available.
- 前提 (zentei) — premise, assumption. Refers to something taken for granted or assumed to be true beforehand.
- 提起 (teiki) — raise (a question), bring up (a problem). Used for formally bringing an issue or question to attention.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
In contrast, the kun'yomi readings of 提 primarily describe physical actions of carrying and lifting, always emphasizing the direct involvement of the hand.
提げる (sageru) — to carry (by hand), to hold (suspended). This implies holding something downwards or at one's side, such as a bag or a lantern, focusing on objects that hang from the hand.
カバンを提げる (kaban o sageru) — to carry a bag.
提げ物 (sagemono) — small article carried (like a pouch or a hanging ornament).
提げる (kakageru) — to hoist, to put up, to fly (a flag), to publish, to display. This reading suggests raising something high or making it visible, often with an element of display or announcement.
旗を提げる (hata o kakageru) — to hoist a flag.
提げられた標語 (kakagerareta hyōgo) — a posted slogan.
提げる (hissageru) — to carry (something important, often for a specific purpose), to bring along. This is an intensive form of さげる, implying carrying something with intention, perhaps for use or presentation.
武器を提げる (buki o hissageru) — to carry weapons.
土産を提げて訪問する (miyage o hissagete hōmon suru) — to visit bringing souvenirs.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 提 forms a variety of useful compounds in Japanese, covering a wide range of formal and practical contexts.
Proposing & Suggesting:
提案 (teian) — proposal, suggestion. (e.g., 事業の提案 - business proposal)
提出 (teishutsu) — submission, presentation (of documents, etc.). (e.g., 企画書の提出 - submission of a project proposal)
提起 (teiki) — raising (a question), bringing up (a problem). (e.g., 問題を提起する - to raise an issue)
提言 (teigen) — proposal, recommendation (often more formal or policy-oriented). (e.g., 政策の提言 - policy recommendation)
Providing & Presenting:
提供 (teikyō) — offer, provide, supply. (e.g., サービス提供 - provision of services)
提示 (teiji) — presentation, display, showing (e.g., ID). (e.g., 身分証明書の提示 - presentation of identification)
Carrying & Hoisting:
提灯 (chōchin) — paper lantern (historically carried by hand).
提げ手 (sagete) — handle (of a bag, basket).
Assumptions & Conditions:
前提 (zentei) — premise, assumption. (e.g., 幸福の前提 - premise for happiness)
前提条件 (zentei jōken) — prerequisite, precondition.
Cooperation & Alliances:
提携 (teikei) — cooperation, tie-up, alliance (often business-related). (e.g., 業務提携 - business alliance)
Legal & Formal Actions:
提訴 (teiso) — filing a lawsuit, instituting an action. (e.g., 訴訟を提訴する - to file a lawsuit)
Example Sentences
会議で新しい企画を提案しました。
Kaigi de atarashii kikaku o teian shimashita.
I proposed a new project at the meeting.
身分証明書の提示をお願いします。
Mibun shōmeisho no teiji o onegai shimasu.
Please present your identification.
このお店はいつも新鮮な食材を提供しています。
Kono omise wa itsumo shinsen na shokuzai o teikyō shiteimasu.
This shop always provides fresh ingredients.
彼女は小さなハンドバッグを提げて歩いていた。
Kanojo wa chiisana handobaggu o sagete aruiteita.
She was walking carrying a small handbag.
新しい法律の制定を求める署名活動が提起された。
Atarashii hōritsu no seitei o motomeru shomei katsudō ga teiki sareta.
A signature campaign requesting the enactment of a new law was initiated.
国際的な提携により、新技術の開発が進んだ。
Kokusaiteki na teikei ni yori, shin gijutsu no kaihatsu ga susunda.
The development of new technology progressed through international cooperation.
彼は自分の意見を提言し、活発な議論を促した。
Kare wa jibun no iken o teigen shi, kappatsu na giron o unagashita.
He put forward his opinion, encouraging lively discussion.
このプロジェクトの成功には、いくつかの重要な前提がある。
Kono purojekuto no seikō ni wa, ikutsuka no jūyō na zentei ga aru.
There are several important premises for the success of this project.
会社は従業員に健康診断の受診を義務付けることを提案した。
Kaisha wa jūgyōin ni kenkō shindan no jushin o gimuzukeru koto o teian shita.
The company proposed making health check-ups mandatory for employees.
私たちは平和のシンボルとして、白旗を提げた。
Watashitachi wa heiwa no shinboru to shite, shirohata o kakageta.
We hoisted a white flag as a symbol of peace.
Memory Tip
To help you remember 提, concentrate on its constituent parts. The left side is 手 (hand), which intuitively links to the meanings of 'carry' or 'present.' The right side, 是, provides the sound テイ. Try visualizing a small scenario: imagine extending your