Meaning
The kanji 絶 (ぜつ, た-える) is key to expressing finality, extremeness, and disconnection in Japanese. At its core, 絶 means "to cut off," "to sever," "to discontinue," and "to cease." But its meaning goes beyond simply stopping; it also extends to "absolute," "unparalleled," or "superb." This often implies an ultimate state beyond comparison—picture something so outstanding it "cuts off" all competition!
Visually, 絶 is composed of several elements. The left-hand radical is 糸 (いと), meaning "thread" or "silk." This provides a strong visual hint towards cutting or severing. Think of breaking a connection by cutting a thread. The right side, 巴, acts as the phonetic component, indicating the "zetsu" sound. The combination thus depicts a thread being cut or broken, leading directly to the primary meaning of "severance" or "disconnection." This visual connection can help solidify its core meanings in your mind.
This N2 kanji is a Joyo kanji, meaning it's on the list of characters designated for daily use in Japan. Specifically, it's taught in the 8th grade. With 12 strokes, it's moderately complex yet becomes memorable once you understand its components. Understanding 絶 is essential for grasping many nuances in Japanese, from describing the end of a relationship to expressing something truly exceptional.
Readings
The kanji 絶 has both On'yomi (Chinese-derived) and Kun'yomi (native Japanese) readings. Each is used in distinct contexts to convey its varied meanings.
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 絶 is ゼツ (zetsu). This reading frequently appears in compound words, often conveying "absolute," "discontinuation," or "superb." You'll usually find it in more formal or abstract terms.
- 絶対 (zettai) — absolute, unconditional. This is a very common word!
- 絶望 (zetsubō) — despair, hopelessness. Literally "cut off hope."
- 絶景 (zekkei) — superb view, breathtaking scenery. Implies a view that "cuts off" all other comparisons.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi readings for 絶 highlight its verbal aspects, emphasizing the actions of cutting off or ceasing.
た-える (ta-eru) — This reading is used for verbs meaning "to die out," "to cease," "to be cut off," or "to become extinct." It emphasizes the state of something coming to an end.
途絶える (todaeru) — to cease, to stop, to be interrupted. For example, 連絡が途絶える (renraku ga todaeru) means "communication is cut off."
息が絶える (iki ga taeru) — to die, to breathe one's last.
た-やす (ta-yasu) — This transitive verb means "to eradicate," "to exterminate," or "to cut off completely." It implies an intentional action to bring something to an end.
命を絶やす (inochi o tayasu) — to take a life, to kill (literally "to extinguish life").
伝統を絶やす (dentō o tayasu) — to eradicate a tradition.
た-つ (ta-tsu) — Another transitive verb, this means "to cut off," "to sever," "to abstain from," or "to renounce." This reading often refers to breaking a connection or habit.
連絡を絶つ (renraku o tatsu) — to cut off contact.
酒を絶つ (sake o tatsu) — to abstain from alcohol.
望みを絶つ (nozomi o tatsu) — to give up hope.
Common Words & Compounds
This section explores some useful words and compounds featuring 絶. You'll observe how its meanings of "severing," "absolute," and "superb" are expressed in various contexts.
Words related to Severing & Discontinuation:
- 絶交 (zekkō) — breaking off a friendship, rupture of relations.
- 断絶 (danretsu) — complete severance, extinction, a break (e.g., in a line).
- 絶滅 (zetsumetsu) — extinction, annihilation.
- 廃絶 (haizetsu) — abolition, discontinuance, eradication.
- 絶え間 (taema) — interval, pause, lull (often used in negative, like 絶え間なく - without pause).
Words related to Absolute & Superb:
- 絶好 (zekkō) — excellent, ideal, perfect (e.g., 絶好のチャンス - a perfect chance).
- 絶賛 (zetsusan) — high praise, rave reviews.
- 絶妙 (zetsumyō) — exquisite, superb, delicate, perfect (often used for skill or timing).
- 絶頂 (zetchō) — peak, summit, climax.
Adverbs & Other Expressions:
- 絶対に (zettai ni) — absolutely, definitely (a very common adverb!).
- 絶えず (taezu) — constantly, continually, without stopping.
- 絶えたり絶えなかったり (taetari taenakattari) — on and off, intermittently.
- 絶倫 (zetsurin) — unmatched, peerless (often used for stamina or sexual prowess).
Example Sentences
この地域では、ある種の動物が絶滅の危機に瀕している。
Kono chiiki de wa, aru shu no dōbutsu ga zetsumetsu no kiki ni hin shite iru.
In this region, a certain species of animal is on the verge of extinction.
彼は夢を絶つことなく、努力し続けた。
Kare wa yume o tatsu koto naku, doryoku shi tsuzuketa.
He continued to make efforts without giving up on his dream.
絶好の機会を逃してしまい、とても残念だ。
Zekkō no kikai o nogashite shimai, totemo zannen da.
It's a great shame that I missed a perfect opportunity.
友人とは連絡が途絶えてしまったが、いつかまた会いたい。
Yūjin to wa renraku ga todaete shimatta ga, itsuka mata aitai.
I've lost contact with my friend, but I want to see them again someday.
絶対に諦めないという彼の決意は強い。
Zettai ni akiramenai to iu kare no ketsui wa tsuyoi.
His determination to absolutely never give up is strong.
その画家の描く風景は、まさに絶景と呼ぶにふさわしい。
Sono gaka no egaku fūkei wa, masa ni zekkei to yobu ni fusawashii.
The scenery painted by that artist is truly worthy of being called a superb view.
彼は仕事のプレッシャーで絶望の淵に立たされていた。
Kare wa shigoto no puresshā de zetsubō no fuchi ni tatasete ita.
He was driven to the brink of despair by work pressure.
この美術館には、絶妙な技術で作られた作品が多数ある。
Kono bijutsukan ni wa, zetsumyō na gijutsu de tsukurareta sakuhin ga tasū aru.
This art museum has many works created with exquisite skill.
彼らは親友だったが、ある出来事をきっかけに絶交してしまった。
Karera wa shin'yū datta ga, aru dekigoto o kikkake ni zekkō shite shimatta.
They were best friends, but due to a certain incident, they broke off their friendship.
Memory Tip
To remember 絶, consider its components. Imagine the 糸 (いと - thread) radical on the left side. This thread represents a connection, a lifeline, or something continuous. Now look at the right side, 巴. While it acts as the phonetic component for the "zetsu" sound, you can visualize it as a sharp object or a hand that's about to sever the thread. Think of a thread being forcefully cut off, leading to a complete stop or an absolute end. This vivid image of a severed thread directly links to the meanings of "cut off," "discontinue," and even "absolute" (as in, absolutely no more connection).