Meaning
The kanji 肯 (KOU) mainly means "consent," "agree," "affirm," "accept," or "concede." It signifies a positive acknowledgment or endorsement. While found in various contexts, its core meaning is always about expressing agreement or a "yes." This is an N2 level JLPT kanji, so you'll encounter it in moderately advanced Japanese texts and conversations.
Its etymology offers a deeper understanding of its meaning. 肯 is a semantic-phonetic compound, combining two main elements: 旨 (meaning "purport," "main point," or even "tasty" or "good") sits at the top, while 止 (meaning "to stop," "to cease") forms the bottom. Together, they suggest "to stop at what is good or appropriate" or "to stop and understand the gist." This foundation naturally leads to the meanings of "to assent," "to agree," or "to affirm." Essentially, when you stop at a good point or grasp the gist and accept it, you're giving your consent.
Visually, 肯 has a balanced structure, with the more complex 旨 sitting atop the simpler 止. This makes it relatively straightforward to recognize once you understand its components. It has 8 strokes and is considered a secondary school level kanji, often assigned to Grade 9 or above, placing it beyond standard elementary school kanji.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main on'yomi reading for 肯 is コウ (KOU). This is by far the most common reading, appearing in nearly all compound words related to agreement, affirmation, and positive responses. It often sounds formal or academic.
肯定 (kōtei) — This is the most common compound, meaning "affirmation," "positive," or "assent." It often contrasts with 否定 (hitei - negation, denial).
質問に肯定的に答える (shitsumon ni kōteiteki ni kotaeru) — to answer a question affirmatively
自己肯定感 (jiko kōteikan) — self-esteem, self-affirmation
首肯 (shukō) — This compound means "assent" or "approval," often implying a physical nod of agreement, like nodding one's head.
彼の意見に首肯する (kare no iken ni shukō suru) — to assent to his opinion
全員の首肯を得る (zen'in no shukō o eru) — to gain everyone's assent
承肯 (shōkō) — A more formal term for "consent" or "acceptance," and is less common than 肯定.
提案を承肯する (teian o shōkō suru) — to consent to the proposal
書面による承肯 (shomen ni yoru shōkō) — written consent
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main kun'yomi reading for 肯 is うべな・う (ubena.u). This reading is much less common than its on'yomi counterparts, appearing mostly in classical, formal, or literary contexts. It functions as a verb meaning "to consent," "to accept," or "to agree to" (a request or proposition).
肯う (ubena.u) — to consent, to accept, to agree.
彼の頼みを肯う (kare no tanomi o ubena.u) — to grant his request
王は賢者の助言を肯った (ō wa kenja no jogen o ubenatta) — The king accepted the sage's advice.
承知し肯う (shōchi shi ubena.u) — to understand and agree (a more emphatic or formal way to express agreement).
厳かなる儀式にて、彼は請いを承知し肯った (ogosoka naru gishiki nite, kare wa koi o shōchi shi ubenatta) — In a solemn ceremony, he understood and consented to the request.
Common Words & Compounds
肯 appears in many words related to agreement, affirmation, and positive acknowledgment. Here are some common and useful compounds, categorized by theme:
Affirmation and Agreement
肯定 (kōtei) — affirmation, positive. This is the most fundamental term, broadly used to indicate a "yes" or a positive stance.
肯定的 (kōteiteki) — affirmative, positive (adjectival form). It often describes an attitude, response, or viewpoint.
首肯 (shukō) — assent, approval. Often used when agreement is shown through action, like nodding one's head.
是肯 (zekō) — approval, assent. Similar to 首肯, but it's more formal and less common in everyday speech.
承肯 (shōkō) — consent, acceptance. A formal expression of agreement, frequently found in written documents or official contexts.
Opposites and Contrast
否定 (hitei) — negation, denial. The direct antonym of 肯定, it expresses a "no" or disagreement.
否定的 (hiteiteki) — negative, unaffirmative (adjectival form). It describes a negative attitude or response.
不肯 (fukō) — refusal, disapproval. Though less common, it explicitly states a lack of consent or agreement.
Verbal and Classical Usage
肯う (ubena.u) — to consent, to accept, to agree (verb). As noted earlier, this kun'yomi is less frequent but crucial for understanding older texts or formal expressions.
肯定する (kōtei suru) — to affirm, to be positive. This is the verb form of the noun 肯定.
首肯する (shukō suru) — to assent, to agree (by nodding). The verb form of the noun 首肯.
These compounds demonstrate the nuanced ways agreement and affirmation are expressed in Japanese, with 肯 playing a central role.
Example Sentences
彼は私の提案に肯定的な返事をした。
Kare wa watashi no teian ni kōteiteki na henji o shita.
He gave an affirmative reply to my proposal.
その計画は全員の首肯を得た。
Sono keikaku wa zen'in no shukō o eta.
The plan gained everyone's assent.
会議で彼は異論を唱えることなく、終始肯定的な態度だった。
Kaigi de kare wa iron o tonaeru koto naku, shūshi kōteiteki na taido datta.
In the meeting, he didn't raise any objections and maintained a positive attitude throughout.
質問に対して肯か否定かの選択が求められた。
Shitsumon ni taishite kō ka hitei ka no sentaku ga motomerareta.
A choice between affirmation or denial was requested for the question.
先生が彼の意見に首肯するのを見て安心した。
Sensei ga kare no iken ni shukō suru no o mite anshin shita.
I felt relieved seeing the teacher assent to his opinion.
彼女は困難な状況でも、常に肯定的な側面を見出そうとする。
Kanojo wa konnan na jōkyō demo, tsune ni kōteiteki na sokumen o miidasou to suru.
Even in difficult situations, she always tries to find the positive aspects.
古い文献では、王が家来の言うことを肯う様子が描かれている。
Furui bunken de wa, ō ga kerai no iu koto o ubena.u yōsu ga egakareteiru.
In old literature, the king is depicted consenting to what his retainers say.
自分の選択を肯定することは、前へ進むための重要なステップだ。
Jibun no sentaku o kōtei suru koto wa, mae e susumu tame no jūyō na sutepu da.
Affirming one's choices is an important step for moving forward.
新しい提案は、多くの議論の末に最終的に承肯された。
Atarashii teian wa, ooku no giron no sue ni saishūteki ni shōkō sareta.
The new proposal was finally accepted after much discussion.
Memory Tip
To remember 肯, consider its two components: 旨 (purport, good, tasty) at the top and 止 (stop) at the bottom. Imagine someone explaining something, and you grasp their 'purport' or 'good' intention (旨). You then 'stop' (止) your objections and 'agree' or 'affirm' their point of view. So, when you grasp the 'good point' and 'stop' resisting, you 'consent.' Alternatively, visualize that it's 'good' (旨) to 'stop' (止) arguing and simply 'agree' to something.