Meaning
The kanji 旗 (hata) means "flag," "banner," or "standard." It depicts a piece of cloth attached to a pole, typically used as an emblem or signal. This character is a phono-semantic compound, combining elements for both sound and meaning.
The left part, 方 (bō/hō), often refers to "square" or "direction." Here, it serves as a phonetic component, offering a hint to the original pronunciation, even though its sound has evolved over time. It can also visually suggest a flag pole or a structured shape.
The right part historically evolved from characters like 旃 (zhān, meaning a type of banner) and 亢 (kàng, meaning "high" or "neck"). This element visually represents the banner or cloth itself, flying high. Together, these components vividly convey the image of a flag waving, with the overall shape subtly suggesting fabric unfurling from a mast or pole. Examining its structure reveals how ancient scribes envisioned this important symbol.
With 14 strokes, 旗 is an advanced Jōyō kanji. Students usually encounter it in junior or senior high school (Grade 9 equivalent). Its N1 JLPT classification indicates its appearance in more complex vocabulary and nuanced expressions.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 旗 is キ (KI). You'll find this reading in compound words, where 旗 combines with other kanji to form more abstract or formal terms. It reflects the pronunciation of the character when it was originally borrowed from Chinese.
- 国旗 (kokki) — national flag. This is a very common term for a country's official flag. For example, the Japanese 国旗 is called 日の丸 (Hinomaru).
- 半旗 (hanki) — half-mast flag. This refers to the practice of flying a flag at half-mast, symbolizing mourning or distress.
- 旗手 (kishu) — standard-bearer, flag-bearer. This refers to the person who carries a flag, such as in ceremonies or sports events like the Olympics.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi (native Japanese) reading of 旗 is はた (hata). This is the indigenous Japanese word for "flag" or "banner," used when the kanji appears alone or with okurigana (hiragana endings).
- 旗 (hata) — flag, banner. This is the most direct and common usage, referring to any flag in general. For instance, you might see many 旗 at a festival.
- 小旗 (kobata) — small flag, pennant. This compound uses the native reading for "small" (ko) combined with "flag" (hata).
- 手旗 (tebata) — hand flag. This refers to a small flag designed to be held and waved by hand, often used by cheerleaders or for signaling.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 旗 appears in numerous words and compounds, highlighting its significance in contexts ranging from national symbols to everyday life. Here are some key examples:
- 旗 (hata) — flag, banner, standard. (General term)
- 国旗 (kokki) — national flag. (A country's official flag)
- 市旗 (shiki) — city flag. (Flag representing a city)
- 社旗 (shaki) — company flag. (Flag representing a company or organization)
- 軍旗 (gunki) — military flag, battle standard. (Flag used by the armed forces)
- 白旗 (hakki) — white flag. (Symbol of surrender or truce)
- 赤旗 (akahata) — red flag. (Often associated with communist movements (e.g., in protests) or used as a danger warning (e.g., 赤旗 for swimming bans)).
- 旗を揚げる (hata o ageru) — to raise a flag. (A common action involving flags, such as raising a national flag on a holiday)
- 旗を振る (hata o furu) — to wave a flag. (An expression for cheering or signaling, like waving a flag at a sports event)
- 旗手 (kishu) — standard-bearer, flag-bearer. (Person carrying a flag)
- 旗艦 (kikan) — flagship. (The leading ship in a fleet, metaphorically also for a leading product, store, or project)
- 半旗 (hanki) — flag at half-mast. (Symbol of mourning)
- 旗日 (hatabi) — national holiday. (Literally "flag day," referring to a day when flags are traditionally flown, such as 建国記念の日).
- 旗印 (hatajirushi) — banner, emblem, distinguishing mark. (Can be used figuratively for a symbol or ideal, like a political party's platform)
- 錦の御旗 (nishiki no mihata) — imperial standard; moral authority. (A powerful symbol, often used to refer to having an unchallengeable moral or political authority, historically associated with the Emperor's forces)
Example Sentences
公園にはたくさんの国の旗が飾られていました。
Kōen ni wa takusan no kuni no hata ga kazararete imashita.
Many national flags were displayed in the park.
開会式で選手団の旗手が堂々と入場しました。
Kaikai-shiki de senshudan no kishu ga dōdō to nyūjō shimashita.
The flag-bearer of the athletes' delegation entered majestically at the opening ceremony.
船長は旗艦の進路を指示しました。
Senchō wa kikan no shinro o shiji shimashita.
The captain directed the course of the flagship.
試合中、観客たちは小さな旗を振って応援しました。
Shiai-chū, kankyaku-tachi wa chiisana hata o futte ōen shimashita.
During the game, the spectators waved small flags to cheer.
彼のチームは新しいスローガンを旗印に活動しています。
Kare no chīmu wa atarashii surōgan o hatajirushi ni katsudō shite imasu.
His team is operating under a new slogan as their banner.
今日は祝日なので、学校の前に国旗が掲げられています。
Kyō wa shukujitsu nanode, gakkō no mae ni kokki ga kakagerarete imasu.
Today is a national holiday, so the national flag is raised in front of the school.
追悼のため、多くの建物で半旗が掲げられました。
Tsuitō no tame, ōku no tatemono de hanki ga kakageraremashita.
For mourning, flags were flown at half-mast on many buildings.
その会社は新しい技術を開発し、業界の旗手となりました。
Sono kaisha wa atarashii gijutsu o kaihatsu shi, gyōkai no kishu to narimashita.
That company developed new technology and became the standard-bearer of the industry.
国際会議の会場には、参加国の旗がずらりと並んでいました。
Kokusai kaigi no kaijō ni wa, sanka-koku no hata ga zurari to narande imashita.
Flags of the participating countries were lined up at the international conference venue.
彼らは交渉の末、ついに白旗を上げて降伏しました。
Karera wa kōshō no sue, tsuini hakki o agete kōfuku shimashita.
After negotiations, they finally raised the white flag and surrendered.
Memory Tip
To remember 旗 (hata, flag), visualize its components. The left part, 方 (hō), can represent a simplified flag pole or the direction in which a flag waves. The right part, 亢 (kō), looks a bit like a person standing tall with arms raised, conveying the idea of something held up high.
Imagine a flag on a pole (方) flying high (亢), waving proudly in the wind.
Alternatively, you can think of 方 as the square base or outline of a flag. Then, picture the top stroke of 亢 as the fluttering fabric, while the rest of 亢 forms the main body of the flag, elevated and prominent.