Meaning
The kanji 脚 (kyaku, ashi) means "leg" or "foot," but its usage goes beyond just human anatomy. It also refers to the "legs" or "supports" of furniture, like tables and chairs. Furthermore, 脚 can act as a counter for sets of furniture (e.g., a set of chairs) or even for plays and scripts. As an N1 JLPT kanji, understanding its diverse applications is key for advanced Japanese learners.
The kanji's meaning becomes clearer when examining its components. The left-hand radical, 月 (にくづき, niku-zuki), is a variant of 肉 (niku, meat/flesh) that often appears in kanji related to body parts, clearly signaling 脚's connection to anatomy. The right-hand component, 却 (キャク), serves as a phonetic guide for its on'yomi reading of "kyaku." Although 却 itself means "to retreat" or "to turn away," its primary role here is phonetic rather than semantic. However, one could loosely connect the idea of movement or 'pushing off' with legs.
The kanji 脚 has 11 strokes. It is not part of the Gakushuu Kanji list for elementary school, as it is considered an advanced character, typically encountered at the JLPT N1 level.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi are readings derived from Chinese pronunciations. They are primarily used when 脚 forms part of a compound word, especially with other kanji. For 脚, the main on'yomi is キャク.
キャク (kyaku): This is the most common on'yomi for 脚. It is used in many compound words related to legs, supports, or performance scripts.
脚力 (kyakuryoku) — leg strength
脚本 (kyakuhon) — script, screenplay
脚色 (kyakushoku) — dramatization, adaptation
失脚 (shikkyaku) — losing one's position, downfall (often in politics or career)
キャ (kya): This reading is less common, typically appearing in specific or archaic compounds, or as a truncated form. For example:
脚絆 (kyahan) — gaiters, leggings (traditional Japanese leg coverings worn for protection during travel or work)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings. They are typically used when the kanji stands alone or is followed by okurigana (送り仮名), which are kana suffixes. For 脚, the primary kun'yomi is あし.
あし (ashi): This is the native Japanese word for "leg" or "foot." When used alone or with okurigana, 脚 is almost always read as あし. It refers to the human leg or foot, or the leg of an animal or object.
脚 (ashi) — leg, foot
脚が速い (ashi ga hayai) — to be fast (a runner); to be a quick seller
脚を組む (ashi o kumu) — to cross one's legs
Common Words & Compounds
Here are some common words and compounds using the kanji 脚, categorized by their themes to help you understand their usage in various contexts.
Related to Body Parts & Movement:
脚力 (kyakuryoku) — leg strength, stamina in legs
美脚 (bikyaku) — beautiful legs (often used in fashion/media)
長脚 (chōkyaku) — long legs
義脚 (gikyaku) — prosthetic leg, artificial leg
健脚 (kenkyaku) — strong legs; a good walker or hiker
脚絆 (kyahan) — gaiters, leggings (traditional leg coverings)
Related to Objects & Structures:
三脚 (sankyaku) — tripod (an object with three legs, e.g., for a camera)
脚立 (kyatatsu) — stepladder (a small, portable ladder with its own support)
高脚 (taka-ashi) — long legs (of furniture or certain animals, like crabs used in cuisine)
机の脚 (tsukue no ashi) — table leg
Related to Performance & Status:
脚本 (kyakuhon) — script, screenplay (the written text for a play or film)
脚色 (kyakushoku) — dramatization, adaptation (the process of converting a story into a script)
失脚 (shikkyaku) — downfall, losing one's position or support (often used for public figures)
脚光 (kyakkō) — spotlight, limelight (脚光を浴びる means to be in the spotlight or gain public attention)
Example Sentences
彼は脚が長いので、モデルのように見える。
Kare wa ashi ga nagai node, moderu no yō ni mieru.
He has long legs, so he looks like a model.
古い椅子の脚がガタガタする。
Furui isu no ashi ga gatagata suru.
The legs of the old chair are wobbly.
登山には強い脚力が必要だ。
Tozan ni wa tsuyoi kyakuryoku ga hitsuyō da.
Strong leg strength is necessary for mountain climbing.
有名な小説が映画のために脚色された。
Yūmei na shōsetsu ga eiga no tame ni kyakushoku sareta.
The famous novel was dramatized for the movie.
カメラを固定するために、しっかりした三脚を使った。
Kamera o kotei suru tame ni, shikkari shita sankyaku o tsukatta.
I used a sturdy tripod to stabilize the camera.
電球を替えるために脚立を持ってきた。
Denkyū o kaeru tame ni kyatatsu o motte kita.
I brought a stepladder to change the light bulb.
彼女の演技が大衆の脚光を浴びた。
Kanojo no engi ga taishū no kyakkō o abita.
Her performance captivated the public's attention (was in the limelight).
不祥事により、その大臣は失脚を余儀なくされた。
Fushōji ni yori, sono daijin wa shikkyaku o yoginaku sareta.
Due to the scandal, the minister was forced to resign (lost his position).
父は毎朝の散歩で健脚を保っている。
Chichi wa maiasa no sanpo de kenkyaku o tamotteiru.
My father maintains strong legs through his daily morning walks.
彼の書いた脚本は、多くの人に感動を与えた。
Kare no kaita kyakuhon wa, ooku no hito ni kandou o ataeta.
The script he wrote deeply moved many people.
Memory Tip
Here's a tip to help you remember 脚: Consider its two main components. The left part, 月 (にくづき), serves as the "flesh" or "body part" radical, clearly indicating something biological or structural. The right part, 却, provides the sound "kyaku" and can metaphorically imply movement or 'stepping back.' Imagine a fleshy limb (月) that allows you to step back or move away (却) – this is your leg! Alternatively, visualize a person with strong, muscular legs (月) able to quickly turn and run away (却). These vivid images can help connect the meaning and pronunciation to the kanji's visual structure.