Meaning
The kanji 放 (Hō) carries a rich array of meanings, all revolving around the core ideas of 'releasing,' 'setting free,' 'emitting,' and 'letting go.' It's a fundamental character, used for actions ranging from literally freeing a bird from its cage to metaphorically letting go of emotions or abandoning responsibilities. At its heart, 放 suggests allowing something to move outward or to be unhindered.
This character is a phono-semantic compound, providing clues to its origins. The left component, 方 (hō), acts as the phonetic element, giving the kanji its 'Hō' sound. 方 originally depicted a handle or a square shape, symbolizing direction or an area. The right component is 攵 (bokuzukuri), a variant of 攴, which represents 'strike' or 'action.' Together, these elements suggest an action (from the 'strike' radical) that propels something in a certain 'direction' (方). This etymological foundation clearly links the kanji's visual form to its abstract meanings of emission, freedom, and discharge.
Despite its appearance in the JLPT N2 curriculum, the kanji 放, with its 8 strokes, is introduced in the 3rd grade of elementary school in Japan. Its early introduction underscores its foundational role in Japanese vocabulary, even though it frequently appears in more complex terms at higher levels.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi for 放 is ホウ (Hō), originating from its Chinese pronunciation. This reading is primarily used when 放 forms part of a compound word, particularly those with abstract or formal meanings. It often conveys senses of 'release,' 'broadcast,' or 'neglect.'
- 放送 (hōsō) — broadcasting. This compound literally translates to 'release sound/voice,' referring to the transmission of information or entertainment via airwaves. For example, 「NHKでニュースを放送する」 (NHK de nyūsu o hōsō suru) means "to broadcast news on NHK."
- 解放 (kaihō) — liberation, release. This term describes setting something or someone free from restraint or oppression, such as 「捕虜を解放する」 (horyo o kaihō suru, "to release prisoners") or 「国を解放する」 (kuni o kaihō suru, "to liberate a country").
- 放火 (hōka) — arson. Meaning 'release fire,' this compound refers to the criminal act of intentionally setting a fire, as in 「放火の疑いで逮捕された」 (hōka no utagai de taiho sareta, "arrested on suspicion of arson").
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi readings of 放 are diverse and are used when the kanji stands alone or is followed by okurigana (hiragana endings). These readings typically describe direct, tangible actions of releasing or letting go.
- 放す (hana-su) — to release, let go, set free. As a transitive verb, it requires a direct object. For instance, 「鳥を放す」 (tori o hanasu, "to release a bird"), 「手を放す」 (te o hanasu, "to let go of a hand"), or 「本音を放す」 (hon'ne o hanasu, "to speak one's true feelings").
- 放つ (hana-tsu) — to emit, shoot, unleash. This transitive verb often implies a more forceful or directed release. Examples include 「矢を放つ」 (ya o hanatsu, "to shoot an arrow"), 「光を放つ」 (hikari o hanatsu, "to emit light"), or 「才能を放つ」 (sainō o hanatsu, "to unleash one's talent").
- 放れる (hana-reru) — to be released, come off, get away from. This intransitive verb describes something detaching or becoming free on its own. Consider 「鳥が籠から放れる」 (tori ga kago kara hanareru, "a bird flies from its cage"), 「銃弾が放れる」 (jūdan ga hanareru, "a bullet leaves a gun"), or 「責任から放れる」 (sekinin kara hanareru, "to get away from responsibility").
- 放る (hō-ru) — to throw, cast, abandon, neglect. This verb covers both the physical act of throwing something, like 「ボールを放る」 (bōru o hōru, "to throw a ball"), and the act of abandoning or neglecting, such as 「仕事を放る」 (shigoto o hōru, "to neglect one's duties") or 「約束を放る」 (yakusoku o hōru, "to abandon a promise").
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 放 appears in a wide range of words, reflecting its diverse meanings. Here are some common examples, grouped by theme:
Actions of Releasing/Emitting:
- 放出 (hōshutsu) — emission, discharge, radiation.
- 開放 (kaihō) — opening, liberation, release.
- 放つ (hanatsu) — to emit, shoot, unleash.
- 放す (hanasu) — to release, let go, set free.
Time/Activity Related:
- 放課後 (hōkago) — after school. (Literally, 'after releasing class').
- 放学 (hōgaku) — school holiday, vacation.
Neglect/Abandonment:
- 放棄 (hōki) — abandonment, renunciation, surrender.
- 放る (hōru) — to throw, cast, abandon, neglect.
- 手放す (tebanasu) — to let go of, part with, sell off.
Freedom/Spontaneity:
- 放浪 (hōrō) — wandering, roaming, vagrancy.
- 放任 (hōnin) — leaving to do as one pleases, non-interference.
- 自由放任 (jiyūhōnin) — laissez-faire, letting nature take its course.
Example Sentences
彼は鳥を籠から放した。
Kare wa tori o kago kara hanashita.
He released the bird from its cage.
放課後にみんなでゲームセンターに行こう。
Hōkago ni minna de gēmu sentā ni ikō.
Let's all go to the arcade after school.
今、テレビで緊急ニュースを放送している。
Ima, terebi de kinkyū nyūsu o hōsō shite iru.
An urgent news report is currently broadcasting on TV.
彼は怒りを放ち、大声で叫んだ。
Kare wa ikari o hanachi, oogoe de sakenda.
He unleashed his anger and shouted loudly.
小さな船が沖へ放れていく。
Chiisana fune ga oki e hanarete iku.
A small boat is drifting out to sea.
窓から新鮮な空気を放出する。
Mado kara shinsen na kūki o hōshutsu suru.
To ventilate fresh air through the window.
古い本を手放すことにした。
Furui hon o tebanasu koto ni shita.
I decided to part with my old books.
犬を庭で放し飼いにしている。
Inu o niwa de hanashi-gai ni shite iru.
I let the dog roam freely in the garden.
子供たちを自由に放任するのはよくない。
Kodomo-tachi o jiyū ni hōnin suru no wa yoku nai.
It's not good to let children do exactly as they please.
Memory Tip
Visualize a square enclosure or gate (方, representing direction or an area). Now, imagine a hand (implied by 攵, the 'strike' or 'action' radical) actively opening this gate. As the gate swings open, something—be it a bird, light, or an idea—is released, free to move in a new direction. The hand (攵) actively sets free what was confined within the square (方). This vivid image helps connect the radical components to the meaning of 'release' or 'let go.'