Meaning
The kanji 刷 (satsu, suru) has two main meanings: 'to print' and 'to brush.' Today, it's most frequently seen in contexts related to printing, like publishing books or duplicating documents. However, its original meaning was broader, referring to any action of applying or removing something from a surface using a brushing or scraping motion.
Delving into its etymology reveals this dual nature. The character 刷 is made up of two key parts: the top, a variant of 聿 (yù), signifying a 'writing brush,' and the bottom right, 刀 (katana), meaning 'knife' or 'sword.' Originally, these elements illustrated the act of using a brush or a knife-like tool to apply, scrape, or wipe something. Picture a brush spreading ink with the precision of a knife, or removing unwanted material. This imagery led to meanings like 'to brush' and 'to wipe clean.' As printing technology advanced, involving brushing ink onto blocks or paper, the kanji's meaning naturally evolved to 'to print.'
So, the visual components of 刷 reflect the idea of performing a precise action on a surface—whether making an impression through printing, or cleaning/applying something with a brush. The kanji 刷 has 8 strokes. While it's a Jōyō kanji (常用漢字), it doesn't have a specific grade level assigned from 1 to 6, indicating it's typically learned in junior high or high school.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi are readings derived from Chinese pronunciations, primarily used when kanji combine to form compound words (熟語 - 熟語). For 刷, the main On'yomi is サツ (satsu).
サツ (satsu): This reading is mainly found in compounds related to printing, renewal, or other specific actions, typically appearing as the second kanji.
印刷 (insatsu) — printing, print. This is the most common compound for 刷, and a crucial term to know.
増刷 (zō-satsu) — reprinting, additional print. This refers to reprinting something, like when a book sells well and additional copies are needed.
刷新 (sasshin) — reform, renovation, overhaul. This compound highlights the 'brushing away' or 'wiping clean' aspect of 刷, signifying a complete renewal or reform.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings, often used for single Japanese words such as verbs or adjectives. For 刷, the main Kun'yomi is する (suru).
する (suru): This is the reading when 刷 is used as the verb 刷る, meaning "to print". It often appears with an okurigana (送りがな - 送りがな) of る.
本を刷る (hon o suru) — to print a book.
刷り (suri) — print, impression (a noun derived from the verb). For example, 試し刷り (tameshizuri) means "proof print" or "test print."
刷り上がる (suriagaru) — to be printed, to finish printing (an intransitive verb indicating completion of printing).
Historically, 刷 could also be read as 刷く (haku), meaning 'to sweep' or 'to brush.' However, this usage is far less common in modern Japanese, particularly at the N2 level, where 'printing' remains the primary focus.
Common Words & Compounds
Here are some common words and compounds that feature the kanji 刷, grouped by category for clearer understanding:
Printing & Publication Related
- 印刷 (insatsu) — Printing; print. The most fundamental term for the act of printing.
- 印刷機 (insatsuki) — Printing machine. Any device used for printing.
- 刷り物 (surimono) — Printed matter; a print. Refers to any item that has been printed.
- 増刷 (zō-satsu) — Additional print; reprinting. Often used when an existing publication needs more copies.
- 初刷 (sho-satsu) — First printing; first edition. The initial batch of copies for a publication.
- 校刷 (kō-satsu) — Proof print. A preliminary print for checking errors before final production.
Actions & Processes
- 刷る (suru) — To print. The base verb form.
- 刷り込む (surikomu) — To print in; to imprint; to instill. Can refer to printing a design or deeply instilling an idea.
- 刷り直す (surinaosu) — To reprint. To print something again, often after corrections.
- 刷り上げる (suriageru) — To finish printing (transitive).
Abstract Concepts
- 刷新 (sasshin) — Reform; renovation; overhaul. To completely renew or refresh something, often implying sweeping away old practices.
Specific Tools (Special Reading)
- 刷毛 (hake) — Brush (e.g., paintbrush, plastering brush). This is an irregular reading (刷 is not typically read as は), but the kanji 刷 is used due to its meaning of "brushing".
Example Sentences
この本は来月増刷されます。
Kono hon wa raigetsu zō-satsu saremasu.
This book will be reprinted next month.
最新の技術でカラーポスターを印刷する。
Saishin no gijutsu de karā posutā o insatsu suru.
We print color posters with the latest technology.
パンフレットを1000部刷るのにどれくらいかかりますか。
Panfuretto o senbu suru no ni dore kurai kakarimasu ka?
How long does it take to print 1000 copies of the pamphlet?
会社の体制を刷新する必要がある。
Kaisha no taisei o sasshin suru hitsuyō ga aru.
It is necessary to overhaul the company's system.
年賀状の印刷はもうお済みですか。
Nengajō no insatsu wa mō o-sumi desu ka?
Have you finished printing the New Year's cards yet?
刷り上がったばかりの雑誌がここにあります。
Suriagatta bakari no zasshi ga koko ni arimasu.
The recently printed magazine is here.
彼は壁にペンキを刷毛で塗った。
Kare wa kabe ni penki o hake de nutta.
He painted the wall with a brush.
この写真はきれいに刷られている。
Kono shashin wa kirei ni surarete iru.
This photo is beautifully printed.
誤字があったため、再度ポスターを刷り直すことになった。
Goji ga atta tame, saido posutā o surinaosu koto ni natta.
Because there was a typo, we decided to reprint the poster.
Memory Tip
To remember 刷, focus on its components: the top part resembles a brush (a variant of 聿, a writing brush), while the bottom right is 刀 (katana), meaning 'knife' or 'sword.' Imagine holding a brush and using it with the precision and swiftness of a knife. This precise action can mean brushing ink onto a page for printing, or brushing away dirt or old ideas, leading to renewal. Picture a craftsman applying ink to a woodblock with a brush, or a renovator scraping old paint with a brush-like tool—both illustrate the core idea of 'brushing' or 'printing' on a surface.