Meaning
The N2 kanji 司 (し, tsukasadoru) means "to direct," "to manage," "to control," or "to officiate." It conveys the idea of having authority or responsibility over something. This can be a task, an event, an organization, or a specific domain. You'll often find this character in titles or roles related to supervision and administration, emphasizing oversight and guidance.
Historically, 司 is often interpreted as an ideogram. Its ancient forms depict a mouth (口), perhaps representing orders or commands. This is combined with a vertical line (一), which can symbolize a person standing or a staff/scepter held as a symbol of authority. Another interpretation views the mouth radical as a desk or platform for officiating. The stroke above represents the person in charge, giving commands or overseeing proceedings. Thus, the visual shape intuitively connects to someone speaking from authority, giving directions, or overseeing operations. It encapsulates the essence of command and oversight: a single individual or entity with the power to direct.
With 5 strokes, 司 is typically taught in 3rd grade in Japanese elementary schools. Its simple structure makes it fundamental in many administrative and official terms. Its radical is 口 (くち), meaning "mouth" or "opening." This further reinforces the idea of vocalizing commands or presiding over something, visually grounding the concept of a speaker or a point of focus in leadership.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main On'yomi for 司 is シ (shi). You'll frequently find this reading in compound words, especially those related to management, direction, and official roles. It carries a formal, often administrative nuance, appearing in titles, departments, and abstract concepts of authority.
- 司会 (shikai) — master of ceremonies; host (of a program or event)
This is the person who directs an event and manages its flow, often literally 'presiding over the gathering'.
- 司法 (shihō) — administration of justice; judiciary
This refers to the system or branch of government that directs and manages legal matters and the enforcement of law.
- 司祭 (shisai) — priest; clergyman
A religious figure who officiates ceremonies, directs worship, and guides the congregation.
- 司令 (shirei) — command; order; commander
This refers to the act or person responsible for giving direction and control, especially within military or organizational structures. They ensure tasks are carried out.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi for 司 is つかさど-る (tsukasadoru), typically written as 司る. As a verb, this reading directly expresses the action of directing, managing, governing, or presiding over something. It emphasizes the active role of an individual or entity in controlling affairs, often implying deep personal responsibility for the outcome.
- 国政を司る (kokusei o tsukasadoru) — to govern national affairs
To take charge of and direct a country's administration, overseeing all its aspects.
- 職務を司る (shokumu o tsukasadoru) — to perform one's duties; to be responsible for one's duties
To carry out and manage the responsibilities of one's position, ensuring effective fulfillment.
- 運命を司る (unmei o tsukasadoru) — to control one's destiny/fate
To have power over and direct the course of one's fate or a larger outcome, shaping its future.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 司 appears in many contexts, especially in official, administrative, and professional terminology. These compounds illustrate the broad application of direction and management in Japanese society.
Roles and Occupations
- 司書 (shisho) — librarian
A person who manages and directs a library's resources, including books and information services.
- 司厨長 (shichūchō) — head chef; chef de cuisine
The person who manages and directs kitchen operations, overseeing staff and menu execution.
- 司会者 (shikaisha) — master of ceremonies; host
An individual specifically designated to direct an event, keeping it on schedule and engaging participants.
- 主幹 (shukan) — chief, director (e.g., of a department or editorial board)
A principal figure who directs and leads a specific section or project within an organization.
Systems and Departments
- 司直 (shichoku) — justice; judiciary; public prosecutors
This refers to the organs of justice that manage legal proceedings and uphold law and order.
- 司法省 (shihōshō) — Ministry of Justice
The governmental department that directs the country's legal system and ensures its proper functioning.
- 司薬 (shiyaku) — pharmaceutical affairs management
The act or department responsible for directing and regulating pharmaceutical matters, ensuring safety and compliance.
General Management and Control
- 司令部 (shireibu) — headquarters; command center
The central unit that directs and controls operations, often for a military or large-scale organization.
- 司政 (shisei) — civil administration; governance
The act of directing and managing political or civic affairs, ensuring society's smooth operation.
- 主管 (shukan) — chief, director; competent authority
The principal person or body that directs and supervises an area, bearing ultimate responsibility for its success.
Example Sentences
このイベントの司会は私が務めます。
Kono ibento no shikai wa watashi ga tsutomemasu.
I will serve as the master of ceremonies for this event.
彼は社内の人事を司る重要な役職にいます。
Kare wa shanai no jinji o tsukasadoru jūyō na yakushoku ni imasu.
He holds an important position managing personnel affairs within the company.
警察は司法の一部として、社会の秩序を司っています。
Keisatsu wa shihō no ichibu to shite, shakai no chitsujo o tsukasado-tte imasu.
The police, as part of the judiciary, maintain social order.
教会では、司祭が毎週のミサを司ります。
Kyōkai de wa, shisai ga maishū no misa o tsukasadorimasu.
In the church, a priest officiates the weekly mass.
彼は図書館の新しい司書として資料管理を担当しています。
Kare wa toshokan no atarashii shisho to shite shiryō kanri o tantō shite imasu.
He is in charge of document management as the new librarian of the library.
宇宙開発プロジェクトの司令塔は、24時間体制で状況を司っています。
Uchū kaihatsu purojekuto no shireitō wa, nijūyon-jikan taisei de jōkyō o tsukasado-tte imasu.
The command center of the space development project manages the situation 24 hours a day.
神話では、雷を司る神が空を支配するとされています。
Shinwa de wa, kaminari o tsukasadoru kami ga sora o shihai suru to sarete imasu.
In mythology, a god who controls thunder is said to rule the sky.
新しい部署の主管として、彼には大きな責任が伴います。
Atarashii busho no shukan to shite, kare ni wa ōkina sekinin ga tomonaimasu.
As the head of the new department, he bears great responsibility.
歴史を司る者だけが、未来を創り出す力を持つと信じられています。
Rekishi o tsukasadoru mono dake ga, mirai o tsukuridasu chikara o motsu to shinjirarete imasu.
It is believed that only those who control history have the power to create the future.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 司, visualize its components: the top horizontal stroke (一) and the bottom mouth radical (口). Imagine the top stroke as a person standing tall, perhaps on a podium or stage (represented by 口, the mouth). This person is in a position of authority, speaking, directing, and managing an event or a group. The "mouth" is where instructions come from, and the "person" gives them. So, the image is a person directing from a mouthpiece or platform. This mnemonic connects the visual elements to the kanji's core meaning of control and direction. Alternatively, imagine a "CEO" (Chief Executive Officer) giving orders. The single line represents the CEO, and the box (口) is the company board or the 'mouth' through which decisions are announced. The CEO "directs" and "manages" these.