Meaning
The kanji 給 (きゅう) is central to expressing concepts of 'giving,' 'providing,' and 'supplying.' In modern Japanese, it's also very commonly used for 'salary' or 'wages.' This versatile character is essential for discussing finance, logistics, and human resources.
When you see 給, picture something being distributed or assigned, whether it's a service, a resource, or money.
Its etymology provides valuable insight into its core meanings. The character combines two components. On the left is the radical 糸 (いとへん), meaning 'thread' or 'silk.' On the right is 㔾 (bō). While primarily a phonetic component, 㔾 also hints at regulation or a kneeling posture.
The 'thread' radical 糸 often appears in kanji related to connecting, weaving, or measuring. For 給, it can subtly suggest careful measurement, organized distribution, or a continuous flow. The right-hand component, 㔾, historically links to a kneeling figure or a seal. This connection lends itself to the idea of official or regulated giving.
Combined, these elements suggest the measured and official provision of something valuable, such as the careful allocation of resources or the regular distribution of wages. Over time, the concept of regular provision evolved, solidifying into specific terms like 'salary' or 'allowance.' This reflects the consistent payment for work or services. Such an evolution clearly shows how kanji meanings adapt to societal changes.
Composed of 12 strokes, this kanji is taught in Grade 6 of elementary school in Japan, highlighting its fundamental importance in everyday communication.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi, or Chinese-derived readings, are the most common way 給 is used in modern Japanese, especially within compound words. The primary On'yomi for 給 is キュウ (kyuu). This reading is highly versatile, appearing in many terms related to payment, supply, and provision. When you see 給 in a compound word, it's almost certainly pronounced キュウ.
- 支給 (shikyuu) — This term means "provision," "payment," or "grant." It refers to formally providing something, often funds or materials. For example, 手当を支給する (teate o shikyuu suru) means "to provide an allowance."
- 給料 (kyuuryou) — One of the most common words using 給, meaning "salary" or "wages." This directly refers to payment for labor. A related term is 月給 (gekkyuu), meaning "monthly salary."
- 供給 (kyoukyuu) — Meaning "supply" or "provision." This word refers to making something available, often on a larger scale, like the supply of electricity or goods. For instance, 電力供給 (denryoku kyoukyuu) is "electricity supply."
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Compared to its On'yomi, the Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) for 給 are less common in modern everyday usage. The main Kun'yomi is たま-う (tamaw-u). When used as a verb, this reading often appears as 給う. It is predominantly found in classical Japanese or as an honorific auxiliary verb in very formal or archaic contexts. Historically, it meant 'to give' (from a superior to an inferior) or 'to grant.'
- 給う (tamau) — In modern Japanese, this is almost exclusively an auxiliary verb, conveying reverence or humility. For instance, ご覧給う (goran tamau) means "to graciously look" or "to look (respectfully)." It's rarely used as a standalone verb for "to give" in contemporary speech or writing. Modern Japanese speakers prefer verbs like 与える (ataeru) or 差し上げる (sashiageru). While its direct application today is limited, understanding this Kun'yomi helps appreciate the historical layers of the Japanese language.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 給 is vital for a wide variety of Japanese vocabulary, especially in contexts related to work, economics, and public services. Here are some common words and compounds, organized by theme, to help you grasp its many uses:
Related to Salary and Wages:
給料 (kyuuryou) — Salary, wages. This is likely the first word you'll learn with 給.
月給 (gekkyuu) — Monthly salary. A standard way to refer to monthly earnings.
時給 (jikyuu) — Hourly wage. Crucial for understanding part-time or hourly jobs.
日給 (nikkyuu) — Daily wage. Payment calculated on a day-to-day basis.
給与 (kyuuyo) — Pay, remuneration, allowance. A slightly more formal term than 給料, often used in official documents.
給料日 (kyuuryoubi) — Payday. The highly anticipated day of the month!
有給休暇 (yuukyuu kyuuka) — Paid leave. An important employee benefit, combining 'paid' (有給) and 'holiday' (休暇).
Related to Supply and Provision:
供給 (kyoukyuu) — Supply, provision. This can refer to the supply of goods, services, or utilities. For example, 電気供給 (denki kyoukyuu) is electricity supply.
支給 (shikyuu) — Provision, payment, grant. Often used for specific allowances or payments. For instance, 交通費支給 (koutsuuhi shikyuu) means "transportation expenses provided."
給水 (kyuusui) — Water supply. Essential for infrastructure and daily life.
給油 (kyuuyu) — Fuel supply, refueling. What you do at a gas station.
給食 (kyuushoku) — School lunch, meal service. Providing meals, especially in schools.
Other Related Terms:
給仕 (kyuuji) — Waiter, attendant. An older term for someone who serves or provides service.
給電 (kyuuden) — Power supply. Refers to the provision of electricity.
Example Sentences
今月の給料はいつですか。
Kongetsu no kyuuryou wa itsu desu ka?
When is payday this month?
この仕事の時給は1200円です。
Kono shigoto no jikyuu wa sen nihyaku-en desu.
The hourly wage for this job is 1200 yen.
会社は従業員に交通費を支給します。
Kaisha wa juugyouin ni koutsuuhi o shikyuu shimasu.
The company provides transportation expenses to its employees.
安定した水の供給はとても重要です。
Antei shita mizu no kyoukyuu wa totemo juuyou desu.
A stable water supply is very important.
彼は毎年、奨学金を給付しています。
Kare wa maitoshi, shougakukin o kyuufu shiteimasu.
He provides scholarships every year.
ほとんどの学校には給食があります。
Hotondo no gakkou ni wa kyuushoku ga arimasu.
Most schools have school lunch.
私たちは有給休暇を申請しました。
Watashitachi wa yuukyuu kyuuka o shinsei shimashita.
We applied for paid leave.
経済成長は電力供給に大きく依存しています。
Keizai seichou wa denryoku kyoukyuu ni ookiku izon shiteimasu.
Economic growth heavily depends on the power supply.
新しい給与体系が来月から導入されます。
Atarashii kyuuyo taikei ga raigetsu kara dounyuu saremasu.
A new pay structure will be introduced from next month.
Memory Tip
To remember 給, let's break it down visually. On the left, we have 糸 (いとへん), the 'thread' radical. Imagine a long, carefully measured thread. This thread represents the precise amount of something being allocated or provided. On the right, the component 㔾 (bō) looks a bit like a person kneeling to receive something, or perhaps a stamp/seal signaling official approval.
Picture someone kneeling to receive a precisely measured amount of 'thread.' This metaphorically represents their 'salary' or 'allowance' being 'supplied' officially and regularly. The thread symbolizes measurement and continuity, reflecting the regular nature of a salary or supply. Therefore, the kanji 給 is about 'giving' or 'supplying' a measured, perhaps official, amount of something, especially your 'salary' or 'wages' after your hard work.