Meaning
The kanji 施 (shi, se, hodokosu) primarily conveys the core meanings of giving, bestowing, applying, and implementing. It often describes an action that moves outwards, from oneself to others, or towards a specific task. Whether it's giving charity, administering a treatment, or implementing a policy, 施 signifies the execution or provision of something. It also covers the concepts of putting something into effect, extending a benefit, or carrying out a specific plan or action. This kanji is essential for expressing active engagement and contribution in various contexts.
The etymology of 施 is an intriguing combination of components, classified as a phonetic-semantic compound. The left part, 方 (hō), means "direction," "square," or "side," indicating the direction or orientation of an action. The right part, 也 (ya), serves primarily as a phonetic component, responsible for the 'shi' or 'se' sound. Historically, 也 could also carry nuances of "to be" or "also," but its role here is mainly phonetic. Visually, the radical 方, meaning 'direction,' suggests an action being outwardly directed or applied. The combination thus evokes the act of "laying out" or "extending" something in a particular direction, which logically extends to its meanings of "giving," "applying," or "carrying out." This visual connection reinforces the idea of an agent actively dispensing or executing an action with a specific goal or recipient in mind.
The kanji 施 consists of 9 strokes and is a Jōyō Kanji (常用漢字), meaning it's part of the list of kanji designated for general use in Japan. While it doesn't have a specific elementary school grade level, its N1 JLPT level highlights its advanced usage and significance for higher-level Japanese proficiency, appearing frequently in formal, technical, and abstract contexts.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi readings are derived from ancient Chinese pronunciations and are typically used when the kanji appears as part of a compound word, especially in more formal or technical terms. For 施, the primary On'yomi readings are シ (shi) and セ (se).
- シ (shi)
The reading シ is the more common On'yomi for 施. It's frequently found in compounds related to carrying out actions, implementing policies, or referring to facilities, conveying a strong sense of execution, enforcement, or application.
実施 (jisshi) — This compound means "implementation," "enforcement," or "execution." It refers to the act of putting a plan, policy, or project into practice. For example, 計画の実施 (keikaku no jisshi) means "implementation of a plan." This term is very common in business and government.
施設 (shisetsu) — Meaning "institution," "facility," or "establishment." This refers to a place or an organization created for a specific purpose, such as a school, hospital, or public building. For instance, 公共施設 (kōkyō shisetsu) refers to "public facilities" like libraries or parks.
施策 (shisaku) — This term denotes a "policy" or "measure." It refers to a plan of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, or business to achieve a specific goal. For example, 新しい施策を講じる (atarashii shisaku wo kōjiru) means "to adopt new policies."
セ (se)
The reading セ is less common than シ but is found in specific, often older or more specialized, compounds. It frequently appears in contexts related to religious donations, medical treatments, or patronage, often implying the dispensing or performance of a service.
- 施術 (sejutsu) — This refers to a "medical treatment" or "procedure," particularly those performed by a practitioner, such as acupuncture, massage, or surgery. For example, 専門家による施術 (senmonka ni yoru sejutsu) means "procedure by a specialist," emphasizing the skilled application of a technique.
- 施主 (seshu) — Meaning "patron," "donor," or "sponsor," especially in a religious context, such as someone who commissions a temple or contributes significantly to its upkeep. For instance, 寺の施主 (tera no seshu) means "a temple patron" or major benefactor.
- 施餓鬼 (segaki) — A specific Buddhist service, typically performed for hungry ghosts (餓鬼, gaki), where offerings are made to alleviate their suffering. This term is unique to Buddhist rituals and beliefs.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations associated with the meaning of the kanji. They are often used when the kanji appears alone or as part of a verb with okurigana (送り仮名), representing the kanji's meaning in a native Japanese context.
- ほどこ(す) (hodokosu)
This is the primary Kun'yomi for 施 and functions as a transitive verb meaning "to give (alms, charity)," "to bestow," "to apply (treatment, decoration)," "to provide," or "to carry out." It emphasizes an active role in providing or performing something beneficial or necessary, often implying an act of kindness, service, or skilled application.
- 情けを施す (nasake wo hodokosu) — To show mercy, to be charitable, or to extend compassion. This phrase literally means "to apply kindness" or "to bestow mercy."
- 治療を施す (chiryou wo hodokosu) — To administer or apply medical treatment. This describes the act of a medical professional providing care to a patient, highlighting the deliberate action of giving treatment.
- 手を施す (te wo hodokosu) — To take measures, to carry out repairs, or to take action. This implies intervening or doing something to resolve a situation, often in a proactive or remedial manner. For example, 病気に手を施す (byōki ni te wo hodokosu) means "to treat an illness" or "to take action against a disease."
Common Words & Compounds
Here are additional common words and compounds using 施, organized by their general themes, showcasing the kanji's versatility and broad usage in various contexts, from daily life to formal domains.
Implementation and Execution:
実施 (jisshi) — Implementation, execution. This refers to putting a plan or policy into action. For example, 新しいシステムの実施が始まった。 (Atarashii shisutemu no jisshi ga hajimatta.) means "The implementation of the new system has begun."
施行 (shikō) — Enforcement (of laws), implementation. Similar to 実施 but often specifically refers to laws, regulations, or ordinances coming into effect. 法律の施行日を定める。 (Hōritsu no shikōbi wo sadameru.) means "To set the enforcement date of a law."
施工 (shikō) — Execution of work, construction. This term is frequently used in engineering and construction to mean carrying out building or repair work. 橋の施工計画。 (Hashi no shikō keikaku.) refers to a "Bridge construction plan."
施策 (shisaku) — Policy, measure. Refers to a strategic plan or action taken by an organization or government to achieve a particular objective. 環境保護施策。 (Kankyō hogo shisaku.) means "Environmental protection policy."
Facilities and Welfare:
施設 (shisetsu) — Facility, institution. A general term for buildings, organizations, or amenities designed for specific functions, such as educational, medical, or welfare services. 最新の医療施設。 (Saishin no iryō shisetsu.) means "State-of-the-art medical facility."
施し (hodokoshi) — Charity, alms, donation. This is the noun form of the verb 施す, often referring to giving to the poor or needy. 貧しい人々への施し。 (Mazushii hitobito e no hodokoshi.) means "Charity for the poor."
施薬院 (seyakuin) — A free clinic (historical). Historically, these were institutions that provided free medicine and medical care to the poor, embodying the act of public welfare.
Medical and Ritual Actions:
施術 (sejutsu) — Medical treatment, procedure. Specifically refers to the act of performing a medical or therapeutic procedure, emphasizing the practitioner's skill. 美容施術を受ける。 (Biyō sejutsu wo ukeru.) means "To receive a cosmetic procedure."
施療 (seryō) — Free medical treatment. Similar to 施薬院, it emphasizes providing medical care or therapy without charge, as a form of benevolence.
施餓鬼 (segaki) — Buddhist service for hungry ghosts. A ritual where offerings are made to alleviate the suffering of spirits, particularly in the Buddhist tradition.
Example Sentences
新しい法律が来年施行されます。
Atarashii hōritsu ga rainen shikō saremasu.
The new law will be enforced next year.
この施設は高齢者のためのものです。
Kono shisetsu wa kōreisha no tame no mono desu.
This facility is for the elderly.
医者は患者に適切な治療を施した。
Isha wa kanja ni tekisetsu na chiryō wo hodokoshita.
The doctor administered appropriate treatment to the patient.
政府は経済対策を実施すると発表しました。
Seifu wa keizai taisaku wo jisshi suru to happyō shimashita.
The government announced that it would implement economic measures.
彼は困っている人々に施しを与え続けた。
Kare wa komatte iru hitobito ni hodokoshi wo atae tsuzuketa.
He continued to give charity to people in need.
工事の施工には細心の注意が必要です。
Kōji no shikō ni wa saishin no chūi ga hitsuyō desu.
Utmost care is required for the execution of construction work.
新しい施策により、地域の活性化が期待されています。
Atarashii shisaku ni yori, chiiki no kasseika ga kitai sarete imasu.
Regional revitalization is expected due to the new policies.
この施術は高度な技術を要するため、専門家が行うべきです。
Kono sejutsu wa kōdo na gijutsu wo yō suru tame, senmonka ga okonau beki desu.
Since this procedure requires advanced techniques, it should be performed by a specialist.
その寺は歴史的に多くの施主からの寄付で維持されてきました。
Sono tera wa rekishiteki ni ōku no seshu kara no kifu de iji sarete kimashita.
The temple has historically been maintained by donations from many patrons.
彼女は植物に肥料を施し、美しく咲かせた。
Kanojo wa shokubutsu ni hiryō wo hodokoshi, utsukushiku sakaseta.
She fertilized the plants, making them bloom beautifully.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 施, visualize its components: 方 (hō) meaning "direction" or "square," and 也 (ya), which, while phonetic, can be seen as resembling a person extending their arms or legs. Combine these: imagine a person standing firmly in a specific "direction" (方), with their body (represented by 也) actively extending outwards to "give" (ほどこす) something or "implement" (実施) a task. The act of giving or carrying out is always a directed, intentional action. Thus, envision someone facing a "direction" (方) to "extend" or "give" (也, like extending body/arms) something—perhaps a gift or a service—emphasizing the outward motion and clear purpose.