Meaning
The kanji 刻 (koku) primarily conveys actions of 'engraving,' 'carving,' 'chopping,' or 'mincing.' Beyond these physical acts, it also metaphorically refers to a 'moment' or 'instant' in time, as if time itself is being 'cut' or 'marked' into segments. This broad range of uses makes it an important character for intermediate Japanese learners to master.
The origin of 刻 is a fascinating phono-semantic compound. On the left, 亥 (i), meaning 'wild boar,' serves as the phonetic component, hinting at the sound 'koku.' The right side, 刀 (katana), is the radical for 'knife' or 'sword,' directly illustrating the meaning of cutting, carving, or engraving. This visual pairing perfectly links the character's form to its core meaning of using a knife to cut or carve. Over time, this concept of marking or 'cutting' evolved, associating 刻 with moments or intervals of time.
With its 8 strokes, 刻 is taught in Grade 6 of elementary school in Japan and is included in the Jōyō (common-use) kanji list. JLPT N2 learners will frequently encounter this kanji, needing to understand its various readings and compound words.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 刻 is コク (koku). You'll typically find this reading in compound words, particularly those related to time, formal engraving, or expressing severity.
- 時刻 (jikoku) — meaning 'time' or 'moment' (a specific point in time). This is one of the most common compounds, indicating a precise time, like the departure time for a train.
- 刻印 (kokuin) — meaning 'stamp,' 'impression,' or 'engraving.' It refers to the act or result of marking something with a stamp or by carving, such as a brand on a product.
- 深刻 (shinkoku) — meaning 'serious,' 'grave,' or 'acute.' Here, 刻 conveys a sense of depth or severity, as if the situation is deeply 'etched' and not easily changed.
- 即刻 (sokukoku) — meaning 'immediately' or 'at once.' This compound emphasizes urgency, implying action without a moment's delay, as in "respond immediately."
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi readings for 刻 are きざ.む (kizamu) and きざ.み (kizami). These are used when the kanji appears alone, often with okurigana as a verb, or as a standalone noun.
刻む (kizamu) — This versatile verb means 'to chop,' 'to mince' (like food), 'to engrave,' 'to carve,' or 'to tick away' (time). It can also mean 'to remember distinctly,' implying an impression carved into one's memory.
肉を刻む (niku o kizamu) — to mince meat
時を刻む (toki o kizamu) — to tick away time (like a clock)
心に刻む (kokoro ni kizamu) — to engrave in one's heart/memory
刻み (kizami) — This is a noun form derived from the verb, often meaning 'minced,' 'chopped,' or 'a notch/step.'
刻み葱 (kizami negi) — chopped green onions
刻み煙草 (kizami tabako) — finely cut tobacco
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 刻 shows up in a wide array of vocabulary, showcasing its diverse meanings related to time, carving, and intensity. Learning these compounds is essential for truly understanding 刻.
Time-Related Compounds
- 時刻 (jikoku) — A specific time or moment. This is essential for talking about schedules and appointments, e.g., 到着時刻 (arrival time).
- 刻限 (kokugen) — An appointed time, deadline, or time limit. Often used in more formal or traditional contexts, like a deadline for submitting a report.
- 刻々 (kokkoku) — Moment by moment, hour by hour; indicates continuous progression or change over time, such as "the situation changes moment by moment."
- 即刻 (sokukoku) — Immediately, at once. Emphasizes instant action or response, e.g., 即刻対応 (immediate response).
- 一刻 (ikkoku) — A moment, an instant. Historically, it was a unit of time (about two hours), but now it primarily means a very short period, as in "even for a moment."
- 分刻み (funkizami) — Every minute; minute-by-minute (schedule). This describes a tightly planned schedule, e.g., 分刻みのスケジュール (minute-by-minute schedule).
Engraving/Carving/Cutting Related Compounds
- 彫刻 (chōkoku) — Sculpture, carving, engraving. Refers to the art form or the act of creating sculptures, like a wood carving.
- 刻印 (kokuin) — Stamp, impression, or engraving. This is the mark left by stamping or carving, such as a serial number engraved on metal.
- 刻む (kizamu) — To chop, mince, engrave, carve, or tick away (time). This versatile verb is used in many contexts, from cooking to commemorating.
- 目盛りを刻む (memori o kizamu) — To mark scales or graduations (on a ruler, measuring cup, etc.). This refers to the act of inscribing measurement lines.
Severity/Impression Related Compounds
- 深刻 (shinkoku) — Serious, grave, acute. Describes a severe situation or problem, like a serious food shortage.
- 深刻化 (shinkokuka) — To become serious, to worsen. This refers to the process of a situation deteriorating, e.g., 問題が深刻化する (the problem becomes serious).
Example Sentences
時計が正確に時を刻んでいます。
Tokei ga seikaku ni toki o kizande imasu.
The clock is accurately ticking away the time.
彼女は記憶に深くその出来事を刻んだ。
Kanojo wa kioku ni fukaku sono dekigoto o kizanda.
She deeply engraved that event into her memory.
この木には職人の技で美しい模様が刻まれている。
Kono ki ni wa shokunin no waza de utsukushii moyō ga kizamarete iru.
A beautiful pattern is carved into this wood with the craftsman's skill.
出発時刻まであと１０分です。
Shuppatsu jikoku made ato juppun desu.
There are 10 minutes left until departure time.
問題は深刻な状況に陥っている。
Mondai wa shinkoku na jōkyō ni ochiitte iru.
The problem has fallen into a serious situation.
大根を細かく刻んでサラダに入れる。
Daikon o komakaku kizande sarada ni ireru.
Chop the radish finely and add it to the salad.
彼は名前を石碑に刻んだ。
Kare wa namae o sekihi ni kizanda.
He carved his name into the stone monument.
歴史に刻まれるような出来事が起こった。
Rekishi ni kizamareru yō na dekigoto ga okotta.
An event that will be etched into history occurred.
私たちは刻々と変化する状況を注意深く見守った。
Watashitachi wa kokkoku to henka suru jōkyō o chūibukaku mimamotta.
We carefully watched the situation change moment by moment.
Memory Tip
To remember 刻, focus on its two main components. On the right, you see 刀 (katana), which means "knife" or "sword." This is the key to recalling the "carve," "engrave," or "chop" meanings. On the left is 亥 (i), which is phonetically related to the sound 'koku'. You can imagine a wild boar (亥) being expertly carved (刀) by a hunter, or more abstractly, time (koku) being precisely cut by the blade of a clock. The "knife" cutting or marking is central to both the physical actions and the abstract concept of time passing or being segmented into moments.