Meaning
健 means healthy, strong, and robust. Think of someone physically and mentally sound — energetic, steady, genuinely well. That is the feeling this character carries. It appears across Japanese daily life: on medicine labels, fitness apps, health checkup forms, and in ordinary conversation about well-being.
Structurally, 健 combines two parts. On the left is the 亻 radical (the person radical, a simplified form of 人). On the right is 建, meaning "to build" or "to establish." Read together: a person who has built themselves up — physically sound, firmly grounded. The structure reinforces the meaning.
Japanese children learn 健 in Grade 4 (around age 9–10). It sits at N2 for JLPT, but surfaces constantly — on food packaging, at clinics, in sports commentary. Even beginners encounter it early.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi is ケン. This is the dominant reading and the one you will see in almost all compound words. It comes from the historical Chinese pronunciation and rarely stands alone — 健 almost always pairs with other kanji to form larger words.
Examples using the ケン reading:
- 健康 (kenkō) — health, good health
- 健全 (kenzen) — wholesome, sound, healthy
- 健在 (kenzai) — alive and well, in good health
- 健闘 (kentō) — valiant effort, fighting hard
- 保健 (hoken) — health preservation, hygiene
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi is すこ（やか）, read as sukoyaka in full. This native Japanese word means healthy and thriving — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. As a na-adjective (な形容詞), it carries a warm, literary quality. Where 健康 sounds clinical, sukoyaka feels tender and heartfelt.
Examples using the すこやか reading:
- 健やかな子供 (sukoyaka na kodomo) — a healthy, thriving child
- 健やかに育つ (sukoyaka ni sodatsu) — to grow up in good health
- 健やかな心 (sukoyaka na kokoro) — a sound, healthy mind
Common Words & Compounds
健 forms a wide range of useful compound words. Here are the most important ones, grouped by theme:
Health & Medical
- 健康 (kenkō) — health; the single most important word built from 健, found everywhere from clinics to food labels
- 健康診断 (kenkō shindan) — health checkup, medical examination
- 保健室 (hokenshitsu) — school nurse's office, health room
- 健忘症 (kenbōshō) — amnesia, forgetfulness disorder
Character & Strength
- 健全 (kenzen) — wholesome, sound; used for a healthy mindset, organization, or environment
- 強健 (kyōken) — robust, physically strong and healthy
- 健闘 (kentō) — valiant effort; 健闘を祈る means wishing someone courage and good luck
- 健脚 (kenkyaku) — strong legs; used for hikers or anyone who walks long distances
Everyday & Positive Expressions
- 健在 (kenzai) — alive and well, still going strong; common when speaking of elderly people or long-running institutions
- 健啖 (kentan) — hearty appetite, eating with gusto (a literary term)
- 健やか (sukoyaka) — healthy, thriving; used in warm, caring expressions
- 健康的 (kenkōteki) — healthy (adjective form), health-conscious
Example Sentences
彼は毎日運動して健康を保っている。
Kare wa mainichi undō shite kenkō wo tamotte iru.
He exercises every day to keep himself healthy.
健康のために、もっと野菜を食べた方がいいですよ。
Kenkō no tame ni, motto yasai wo tabeta hō ga ii desu yo.
For your health, you really should eat more vegetables.
おじいさんは八十歳でもまだ健在です。
Ojīsan wa hachijussai demo mada kenzai desu.
My grandfather is still going strong at eighty.
子供たちが健やかに育つように祈っています。
Kodomotachi ga sukoyaka ni sodatsu yō ni inotte imasu.
I pray that the children will grow up healthy and strong.
毎年健康診断を受けることが大切です。
Maitoshi kenkō shindan wo ukeru koto ga taisetsu desu.
Getting a health checkup every year really matters.
彼女のチームは負けたが、健闘したと思う。
Kanojo no chīmu wa maketa ga, kentō shita to omou.
Her team lost, but they put up a real fight.
山を歩き回れるのは健脚のおかげだ。
Yama wo arukimawareru no wa kenkyaku no okage da.
I can hike around the mountains because I've got strong legs.
規則正しい生活が健全な精神を作る。
Kisoku tadashii seikatsu ga kenzen na seishin wo tsukuru.
A disciplined daily routine builds a sound mind.
試合に向けて健闘を祈るよ！
Shiai ni mukete kentō wo inoru yo!
Rooting for you in the match — give it everything!
Memory Tip
Look at 健's structure: a person (亻) on the left, 建 (to build) on the right. That person is building their own body — daily exercise, good food, consistent effort. Not a house, but a healthy physique. The kanji practically shows you its own meaning.
For Vietnamese learners, the Hán-Việt reading is KIỆN. Think of kiện toàn (complete and sound) or cường kiện (strong and healthy). That link makes 健 easier to anchor in memory.