条 — Article, Clause, Item

Meaning

The kanji 条 (じょう) is a versatile character with a core meaning related to segments, divisions, and lines. Its primary interpretations include 'article,' 'clause,' and 'item.'

These meanings are often found in legal, administrative, and formal documents, referring to distinct parts of an agreement or text. 条 can also mean 'strip' or 'line.' For instance, it's used to describe a line of light or a strip of paper. Additionally, it can refer to a 'branch' of a tree, reflecting its older, more literal sense, and acts as a counter for long, thin objects or abstract concepts.

The character 条 is composed of two main parts. On the left is 木 (き), signifying 'tree' or 'wood,' which provides the fundamental image of a plant. The right side is a more abstract component, historically representing a branch with twigs or leaves, or even a cutting tool used on a branch.

This combination visually suggests a segment or piece derived from a tree, like a branch or a twig. From this botanical root, the meaning expanded metaphorically: a 'branch' is a distinct part of a tree, much like an 'article' or 'clause' is a distinct part of a law or document. Similarly, a 'strip' or 'line' denotes a segmented, extended form.

This visual connection helps in grasping the kanji's various uses. Whether it's a 条項じょうこう (jōkō - article/clause) in a contract, 一条の光いちじょうのひかり (ichijō no hikari - a ray of light), or 条件じょうけん (jōken - condition), the common thread is the idea of a distinct, often linear, segment or item. The kanji 条 has 7 strokes and is taught in Grade 5 of Japanese elementary school. Despite its JLPT N2 classification, it is a 教育漢字 (kyōiku kanji), highlighting its basic importance in many contexts.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

The most common reading for 条 is its On'yomi, ジョウJŌ. This reading is used in the majority of compound words. It typically conveys meanings like 'article,' 'clause,' 'condition,' or 'line/strip,' particularly in formal, legal, and administrative language.

• 条項じょうこう (jōkō) — This compound refers to an 'article' or 'clause' within a law, treaty, or agreement. For instance, a contract might have several 条項じょうこう defining its terms.
• 条件じょうけん (jōken) — Meaning 'condition' or 'requirement,' this is one of the most frequently encountered words with 条. It denotes a specific prerequisite or circumstance. For example, a job offer might come with certain 条件じょうけん.
• 条約じょうやく (jōyaku) — This term refers to a 'treaty' or 'pact' between nations. International relations are often governed by various 条約じょうやく.
• 一条いちじょう (ichijō) — While literally 'one 条,' this can mean 'one article' (of a law), 'one line/strip' (e.g., of light or road), or a 'single ray/thread.'

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

Unlike its widely used On'yomi, 条 has very few commonly used Kun'yomi in modern Japanese. Historically, it was associated with meanings like 'branch' or 'strip,' but other kanji almost exclusively represent these in contemporary usage. While えだeda (branch) is sometimes listed as a Kun'yomi for 条, it is overwhelmingly written with the kanji 枝 (えだ) today, which specifically means 'branch.' Therefore, you will rarely, if ever, see 条 used alone for えだeda in modern texts.

However, understanding its etymological connection to branches helps in grasping its underlying meaning of 'segment' or 'part.' Even though 条 itself isn't used for 'branch' anymore, this historical link remains important.

• 枝葉えだは (edaha) — Although using 枝, this compound means 'branches and leaves.' It often refers metaphorically to minor details or trivialities, reflecting the original botanical sense connected to 条.
• 枝道えだみち (edamichi) — Meaning 'side road' or 'branch road,' this term also uses 枝. It illustrates the idea of a 'branching' path, extending the core visual meaning of 条, even if the kanji 条 itself is not present.

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 条 is an important component in many compounds across various fields, especially in legal, administrative, and descriptive contexts. Understanding these compounds is essential for comprehensive Japanese proficiency.

• 条項じょうこう (jōkō) — Article; clause. Often found in legal documents and contracts.
• 条件じょうけん (jōken) — Condition; requirement; term. A widely used word for prerequisites or circumstances.
• 条約じょうやく (jōyaku) — Treaty; pact; agreement. Fundamental in international law and diplomacy.
• 条例じょうれい (jōrei) — Ordinance; regulation; bylaw. Laws enacted by local governments.
• 条文じょうぶん (jōbun) — Article (of a law, treaty, etc.); text of a regulation. Refers to the written content of a clause.
• 箇条書きかじょうがき (kajōgaki) — Itemized list; bullet points. Listing things in separate items.
• 一条の光いちじょうのひかり (ichijō no hikari) — A ray of light; a glimmer of hope. Illustrates 条 as a counter for thin, long objects or abstract concepts.
• 条理じょうり (jōri) — Reason; logic; the right way; natural law. Denotes a rational principle or order.
• 約定やくてい (yakutei) — Agreement; stipulation; contract. Similar to an informal treaty or condition.
• 個別条項こべつじょうこう (kobetsu jōkō) — Individual article/clause. Refers to specific, separate items in an agreement.
• 例外条件れいがいじょうけん (reigai jōken) — Exceptional condition; special requirement. A condition that deviates from the norm.
• 付帯条件ふたいじょうけん (futai jōken) — Accessory conditions; attached terms. Additional conditions that come with a main agreement.

Example Sentences

Memory Tip

To remember 条, visualize its components:

The left side is 木き (tree). The right side, though stylized in modern kanji, can be imagined as representing a branch with small twigs or leaves, or perhaps a tool making a cut on a branch. Think of a tree branch as a 'strip' or 'segment' of the tree. From this literal image, extend the idea to abstract 'strips' or 'segments' of information, like an 'article' or 'clause' in a document, or a 'condition' that is a distinct item in a list of requirements. In short, remember 条 as 'a distinct strip or segment, like a branch from a tree, which can represent an article or condition.'