Meaning
The kanji 康 (KOU) is an essential character in Japanese, primarily conveying meanings related to health, ease, peace, tranquility, and recuperation. It embodies a sense of well-being and a state free from trouble or suffering.
Its origin hints at a deep connection to human comfort and security. The kanji 康 is composed of two main parts. The top part, 广 (U+5E7F), is the "roof" radical (まだれ, madare), which suggests a dwelling, a shelter, or a vast space. Below this, we find 隶 (U+96B6). While historically depicting a hand holding something (又), in the context of 康, its primary role is phonetic, indicating the sound "kou" and subtly suggesting "settling" or "being at rest." When these elements combine, especially under the sheltering "roof," it evokes a powerful image of being settled, comfortable, and safe within one's abode. This naturally extends to the feeling of "ease" and "well-being," which are inextricably linked to "health." A person who is at ease, secure, and comfortable in their environment is, by definition, healthy and peaceful. Ancient forms of the character sometimes showed a human figure under a roof, further emphasizing this core idea of comfort and safety leading to a state of well-being.
The kanji 康 has 11 strokes. It is part of the Jōyō Kanji list, generally learned in secondary school, and is essential for N2 level Japanese proficiency. While some sources may inconsistently assign a specific elementary school grade, it is generally considered a higher-level Joyo kanji.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi reading of 康 is コウ (KOU). This is the predominant and almost exclusively used reading for this kanji in modern Japanese, especially within compound words. This reading is key for expressing concepts of health, peace, well-being, and tranquility, and it's highly relevant for N2 learners.
- 健康 (kenkou) — This is the most common compound, meaning health or healthy condition. It's used in daily conversations and medical contexts.
- 安康 (ankou) — Meaning peace, well-being, or security. This compound is often used in more formal expressions or greetings, wishing someone peace and prosperity.
- 康復 (koufuku) — Refers to recovery or recuperation, typically in a medical or post-illness context. It implies a return to a state of health and ease.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi readings associated with 康 include やす (yasu) and やすんじる (yasunjiru). While these readings exist, it's important to note that 康 itself doesn't commonly appear as a standalone verb or adjective with them in everyday modern Japanese. This differs from how its on'yomi is frequently used. The root "yasu" is conceptually linked to ease and peace, as seen in other kanji like 安 (yasu - peaceful, cheap).
- 康んじる (yasunjiru) — This verb means to feel at ease, to be content, or to take comfort in. While not frequently encountered, it directly expresses a core meaning of 康.
- 康子 (Yasuko) — A common Japanese female given name, where 康 lends the meaning of peaceful or healthy to the name.
- 康夫 (Yasuo) — A common Japanese male given name, similarly conveying the sense of peace, ease, or health.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 康 forms numerous essential compounds in Japanese, particularly those related to health and peace. Learning these will greatly enhance your vocabulary for the N2 level and beyond.
Health & Well-being Related
- 健康 (kenkou) — Health, healthy condition. This is the most frequently used compound.
- 健康診断 (kenkou shindan) — Health check-up, medical examination. A routine visit to confirm one's health status.
- 健康保険 (kenkou hoken) — Health insurance. Essential for medical coverage.
- 心身健康 (shinshin kenkou) — Mental and physical health. Emphasizes holistic well-being.
- 国民健康保険 (kokumin kenkou hoken) — National Health Insurance. Japan's public health insurance system.
Peace & Tranquility Related
- 安康 (ankou) — Peace, well-being, security. Often found in formal expressions or well-wishes.
- 国泰民安 (kokutai min'an) — A four-character idiom meaning the country is prosperous and the people are at peace. Expresses a state of national peace and prosperity.
- 康寧 (kounei) — Peace and tranquility, health. A more classical or poetic compound emphasizing a serene state of health.
Recovery & Restoration Related
- 康復 (koufuku) — Recovery, recuperation. Used when someone is regaining their health after illness or injury.
Other Notable Compounds & Expressions
- 小康 (shoukou) — A lull, a temporary calm. Often used to describe a brief pause in a battle, a storm, or an illness, signifying a temporary return to ease.
- 康楽 (kouraku) — Health and pleasure, comfort and happiness. Combines well-being with enjoyment.
- 康生 (kousei) — Health and life. Sometimes used in names or to refer to concepts of healthy living.
- 康平 (Kouhei) — A relatively common male given name in Japan.
Example Sentences
彼の健康を心から願っています。
Kare no kenkou wo kokoro kara negatteimasu.
I sincerely wish for his health.
毎日適度な運動は健康に良い。
Mainichi tekido na undou wa kenkou ni yoi.
Moderate exercise every day is good for your health.
長期にわたる休養で、彼の体調は徐々に康復している。
Chouki ni wataru kyuuyou de, kare no taichou wa jojo ni koufuku shiteiru.
After a long period of rest, his condition is gradually recovering.
この地域の住民の安康を守ることが私たちの使命です。
Kono chiiki no juumin no ankou wo mamoru koto ga watashitachi no shimei desu.
It is our mission to protect the peace and well-being of the residents in this area.
ご家族の皆様のご健康とご多幸をお祈りいたします。
Gokazoku no minasama no gokenkou to gotakou wo oinori itashimasu.
I pray for the health and happiness of all your family members.
台風の目に入ると、一時的な小康が訪れることがある。
Taifuu no me ni hairu to, ichijiteki na shoukou ga otozureru koto ga aru.
When you enter the eye of a typhoon, there can be a temporary lull.
定期的な健康診断は早期発見のために重要です。
Teikiteki na kenkou shindan wa souki hakken no tame ni juuyou desu.
Regular health check-ups are important for early detection.
医療技術の進歩により、患者の康復がより早くなった。
Iryou gijutsu no shinpo ni yori, kanja no koufuku ga yori hayaku natta.
Thanks to advancements in medical technology, patients' recovery has become faster.
心身ともに健康でいることが、幸福な生活の基本だ。
Shinshin tomo ni kenkou de iru koto ga, koufuku na seikatsu no kihon da.
Being healthy both mentally and physically is the foundation of a happy life.
世界中の人々が平和と安康を享受できる社会を目指したい。
Sekaijuu no hitobito ga heiwa to ankou wo kyouju dekiru shakai wo mezashitai.
I want to aim for a society where people all over the world can enjoy peace and well-being.
Memory Tip
To remember 康 (KOU), visualize a person (derived from the bottom part, 隶, suggesting settling down) relaxing comfortably under a protective roof (广, the top radical). The roof symbolizes shelter, safety, and security, creating an environment of ease and peace. Imagine a serene scene where someone is perfectly content and at rest in their home, signifying good health and tranquility. This mnemonic directly connects the kanji's visual components to its core meanings of "health," "ease," and "peace," making it easier to recall.