Meaning
The N1 kanji 是 (ぜ, これ) primarily means 'right,' 'correct,' 'just,' 'to be,' or 'this.' It fundamentally conveys affirmation and correctness, indicating something that is proper, true, or in agreement. You'll find it used to express approval, rectify situations, or make definitive statements about right and wrong.
The character 是 is an ideogram combining two components: 日 (ひ), which commonly means 'sun' or 'day,' though in this context it often represents 'to speak' or 'speech,' and 正 (ただしい), meaning 'correct,' 'straight,' or 'justice.' Visually, you can interpret 是 as 'to speak (日) what is correct (正),' thereby affirming truth or righteousness. Alternatively, some view 日 as illuminating or bringing to light, and 正 as establishing what is right. Together, these components signify a clear, undeniable truth or correctness, much like the sun clarifies the day.
The kanji's visual form directly relates to the idea of truth or correctness being illuminated or articulated. When something is described with 是, it's presented as clear, unambiguous, and acceptable. It serves as a marker of affirmation and positive judgment. The kanji 是 has 9 strokes. While not assigned a specific Kyoiku (school) grade, it's considered advanced and falls under the JLPT N1 category, essential for advanced Japanese comprehension.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi readings for 是 come from ancient Chinese pronunciation. You'll typically find them when 是 forms part of a compound word.
ゼ (ze): This is the most common on'yomi reading for 是 and is widely used in compounds related to correctness, approval, or 'right and wrong.'
是正 (zesei) — correction, rectification. This compound refers to the act of making something right or correcting an error.
是非 (zehi) — right and wrong; pros and cons; by all means, without fail. This word combines 是 (right) and 非 (wrong). It can also function as an adverb expressing strong desire or request.
是認 (zenin) — approval, recognition, affirmation. It signifies agreeing with or acknowledging something as correct or acceptable.
シ (shi): This reading is less common in modern Japanese. You'll typically find it in more archaic or specialized compounds, often carrying the meaning of 'this' or 'thus.' Its practical application is quite limited compared to ゼ.
是月 (shigetsu) — this month (archaic). More commonly now 今月.
是日 (shijitsu) — this day (archaic). More commonly now 今日 or 本日.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations linked to the kanji's meaning. They are often used when the kanji appears alone or is followed by okurigana (送り仮名).
これ (kore): When 是 is read as これ (kore), it typically means 'this' in a formal, literary, or classical context. It often refers to a specific point in time or a preceding statement.
是 (kore) — this (classical, literary use, often seen in formal writing or historical texts).
是を以て (kore o motte) — by this means, hereby. A formal phrase to introduce a consequence or reason.
是如何 (kore ikan) — How about this? What about this? (classical question).
この (kono): Similar to これ, when 是 is read as この (kono), it also means 'this.' It functions as a pre-noun adjective in formal or classical contexts, frequently preceding nouns related to time.
是時 (kono toki) — at this time (classical, formal).
是度 (konotabi) — this time, on this occasion (formal, literary, often used in greetings or announcements).
Common Words & Compounds
You'll find the kanji 是 in a variety of words and compounds. These often express ideas of correctness, affirmation, or the distinction between right and wrong.
- Affirmation & Correction:
- 是正 (zesei) — correction, rectification. Example: 誤りを是正する (ayamari o zesei suru - to correct a mistake).
- 是認 (zenin) — approval, recognition. Example: 彼の意見を是認する (kare no iken o zenin suru - to approve of his opinion).
- 是非 (zehi) — right and wrong, pros and cons, by all means. Example: 是非参加して下さい (zehi sanka shite kudasai - please participate by all means).
- 是が非 (zegahi) — right or wrong; by all means, without fail (stronger emphasis than 是非). Example: 是が非でも達成したい (zegahi demo tassei shitai - I want to achieve it no matter what).
- 是問 (zemon) — to ask what is right, to inquire about justice (often philosophical).
- Temporal & Demonstrative:
- 是 (kore) — this (classical, literary use). Example: 是 真実なり (kore shinjitsu nari - This is the truth, classical).
- 是度 (konotabi) — this time, on this occasion (formal). Example: 是度はありがとうございました (konotabi wa arigatou gozaimashita - Thank you for this time).
- 是より (kore yori) — from now on, henceforth. Example: 是より会議を開始します (kore yori kaigi o kaishi shimasu - The meeting will now begin).
- 是日 (konohi) — this day (classical).
- Philosophical & Rhetorical:
- 是 即ち (kore sunawachi) — this is to say, in other words. Used to clarify or elaborate.
- 是 故に (kore yue ni) — therefore, for this reason (formal, literary).
- 首肯是認 (shukou zenin) — approval and affirmation; to nod in agreement and approve.
Example Sentences
その提案は是認された。
Sono teian wa zenin sareta.
That proposal was approved.
誤りを是正する必要がある。
Ayamari o zesei suru hitsuyou ga aru.
It is necessary to correct the mistake.
是は私が求めていたものだ。
Kore wa watashi ga motomete ita mono da.
This is what I was looking for.
是非一度、京都へ行ってみてください。
Zehi ichido, Kyouto e itte mite kudasai.
By all means, please try visiting Kyoto once.
新たな政策の是非が議論された。
Aratana seisaku no zehi ga giron sareta.
The pros and cons of the new policy were debated.
是度は、ご多忙の中お集まりいただきありがとうございます。
Konotabi wa, go-tabou no naka o-atsumari itadaki arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you for gathering here this time despite your busy schedules.
是より先は立ち入り禁止です。
Kore yori saki wa tachiiri kinshi desu.
Entry is prohibited beyond this point.
是が非でも、目標を達成しなければならない。
Zegahi demo, mokuhyou o tassei shinakereba naranai.
We must achieve the goal by all means necessary.
時代の変化に合わせて是正すべき点が多い。
Jidai no henka ni awasete zesei subeki ten ga ooi.
There are many points that should be corrected in line with changes in the times.
彼の言動は是認できない。
Kare no gendou wa zenin dekinai.
His words and actions cannot be approved.
Memory Tip
To remember 是, visualize its two components: 日 (sun/day, or 'to speak') and 正 (correct, straight). Imagine the sun (日) shining brightly, casting a clear light that reveals what is truly 'correct' or 'right' (正). Thus, 是 represents what is undeniably true and proper, as if illuminated by the sun's clarity. Alternatively, think of someone standing firm, speaking (日) what they know to be correct (正), thus affirming 'this is right.' This combination helps cement 是 as meaning affirmation, correctness, and the idea of 'this' being the truth.