Welcome, Japanese language learners, to our detailed guide for the kanji 肩! As an essential part of the JLPT N2 curriculum, mastering this character will significantly enhance your ability to describe the human body, express physical actions, and understand various idiomatic expressions in Japanese. This guide explores the versatility of 肩.
Meaning
At its core, the kanji 肩 means shoulder. It refers to that specific part of the human body where your arm connects to your torso. Beyond its literal anatomical sense, 肩 also takes on figurative meanings. It often represents burdens, responsibilities, status, or support, similar to how 'shoulder' is used in English phrases like 'shoulder the burden' or 'a shoulder to cry on'. This character is very frequently encountered in everyday Japanese, from talking about a stiff neck and shoulders (肩こり) to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with someone (肩を並べる).
Let's look at its origins. The kanji 肩 is a phono-semantic compound, combining two components: 尸 (しかばね/corpse or body) and 戶 (と/door or house). The 尸 radical often appears in characters related to the human body or posture, giving us a strong hint that 肩 is indeed a body part. The 戶 component, meaning 'door' or 'house', functions primarily as a phonetic element, giving the character its 'ka' sound. Visually, you can imagine the 尸 radical outlining a body. The 戶 component then sketches out the specific area where the arm connects to the torso – the shoulder. This offers a clever visual link to the character's meaning.
The kanji 肩 has 8 strokes and is taught to Japanese children in Grade 6 of elementary school. Understanding its structure and grade level helps illustrate its relative complexity and fundamental importance in the Japanese language.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi readings are derived from Chinese pronunciations and are often used when kanji combine to form compound words, especially in more formal or technical contexts. For 肩, the primary On'yomi is ケン (ken).
ケン (ken): While ケン (ken) is an important On'yomi, it is primarily found in technical and medical vocabulary, making it less common in everyday conversation than its Kun'yomi counterpart.
肩甲骨 (kenkōkotsu) — shoulder blade (scapula). This is a precise anatomical term you'd hear in a hospital or biology class.
肩関節 (kenkansetsu) — shoulder joint. Another specific medical term.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations associated with the kanji's meaning, often used when the kanji stands alone or in combination with hiragana. For 肩, the primary Kun'yomi is かた (kata). This reading is incredibly common and versatile, used in almost all contexts involving the physical shoulder and many figurative expressions.
かた (kata): This is the most common and versatile reading, used in nearly all contexts involving the physical shoulder and many figurative expressions.
肩 (kata) — shoulder. This is the kanji standing alone, meaning "shoulder."
肩を組む (kata o kumu) — to put an arm around someone's shoulder; to link arms. It expresses camaraderie or support.
肩書き (katagaki) — title, post, position (e.g., of a manager or director). This is a fantastic example of a figurative use where 'shoulder' relates to one's standing.
肩をたたく (kata o tataku) — to pat someone on the shoulder. A common gesture of encouragement or to get someone's attention.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 肩 is remarkably versatile, appearing in a wide array of common words and phrases. We've grouped some of them by theme to aid your memorization.
Body & Movement
肩幅 (katahaba) — shoulder width. Useful for describing clothing sizes or physical build.
肩こり (katakori) — stiff shoulders. A very common complaint, especially in modern office life!
肩を揉む (kata o momu) — to massage someone's shoulders. What you'd do for someone with 肩こり!
いかり肩 (ikarigata) — broad shoulders (literally "anchor shoulders").
Figurative & Idiomatic Expressions
肩の荷が下りる (kata no ni ga oriru) — a burden is lifted (literally, "the load on one's shoulders comes down"). A feeling of relief after completing a difficult task.
肩入れ (kataire) — backing; support; favoritism (literally "putting one's shoulder into it" to help).
肩を落とす (kata o otosu) — to be dejected; to drop one's shoulders (in disappointment).
肩を貸す (kata o kasu) — to lend a shoulder (for support); to help someone. You might offer your shoulder to a friend who is sad or injured.
肩を並べる (kata o naraberu) — to stand shoulder to shoulder; to be on par with. Often used to express equality or competition.
肩身が狭い (katami ga semai) — to feel ashamed; to feel humiliated; to be unable to hold one's head high (literally "one's shoulder is narrow").
肩透かし (katasukashi) — disappointment; anticlimax; a dodge (especially in sumo). It's like someone expected a strong impact but found nothing there.
Example Sentences
重い荷物を肩に担いで運んだ。
Omoi nimotsu o kata ni katsuide hakonda.
I carried the heavy luggage on my shoulder.
パソコンの使いすぎで肩が凝ってしまった。
Pasokon no tsukaisugi de kata ga kotte shimatta.
My shoulders got stiff from using the computer too much.
友達が悲しんでいたので、そっと肩を貸してあげた。
Tomodachi ga kanashindeita node, sotto kata o kashite ageta.
My friend was sad, so I gently lent them my shoulder.
彼はライバルと肩を並べて、堂々と歩いた。
Kare wa raibaru to kata o narabete, dōdo to aruita.
He walked proudly, standing shoulder to shoulder with his rival.
長いプロジェクトが終わり、やっと肩の荷が下りた。
Nagai purojekuto ga owari, yatto kata no ni ga orita.
The long project finished, and a burden was finally lifted from my shoulders.
彼女はチームメイトに肩入れしすぎて、公平ではないと批判された。
Kanojo wa chiimumēto ni kataire shisugite, kōhei dewa nai to hihan sareta.
She was criticized for showing too much favoritism towards her teammates and not being fair.
失敗して肩を落とす彼に、もう一度頑張ろうと励ました。
Shippai shite kata o otosu kare ni, mō ichido ganbarou to hagemashita.
I encouraged him, who was dejected after failing, to try hard one more time.
新しい仕事の肩書きは部長代理です。
Atarashii shigoto no katagaki wa buchō dairi desu.
My new job title is Acting Department Manager.
彼は手術後、肩関節のリハビリを続けている。
Kare wa shujutsu-go, kenkansetsu no rihabiri o tsuzukete iru.
He is continuing rehabilitation for his shoulder joint after the surgery.
Memory Tip
To remember 肩, let's break down its components: 尸 (body) and 戶 (door). Imagine a person's body (尸) standing in a doorway (戶). The part of their body that often brushes against the door frame, or that they might lean against, is their shoulder. Alternatively, imagine the 戶 (door) shape forming the distinct curve of a shoulder on the body, with the arm extending from it like an opening door. These visual associations should help solidify the kanji and its meaning in your memory!