Meaning
The kanji 靴 (kutsu) refers to 'shoes,' 'footwear,' or 'boots.' It's a common sight in daily life in Japan, appearing frequently in conversations, on signs, and in writing about clothing and accessories. This kanji is a phono-semantic compound. Its structure combines a semantic component that hints at its meaning and a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation. For instance, the left side, 革 (kawa), acts as the radical for 'leather' or 'rawhide,' a nod to how traditional footwear was often made. This visual link directly connects the kanji's meaning to its material roots. The right side, 化 (ka), provides the phonetic element, hinting at the on'yomi reading 'カ.' Essentially, 靴 visually blends 'leather' (革) and 'transformation' (化) to depict 'shoes.' This kanji has 13 strokes and is taught in junior high, making it a Jōyō kanji. It's also part of the N2 JLPT curriculum, highlighting its importance for intermediate Japanese learners.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 靴 is most commonly カ (ka). While you won't often see 靴 used alone with this reading, it becomes important in specific compound words. These often carry a more formal, technical, or historical nuance. The 'カ' reading originates from the phonetic component 化. Recognizing its presence can help you decipher the readings of more complex vocabulary.
- 製靴 (seika) — shoemaking, shoe manufacturing
Example: 彼は製靴工場で働いています。 (Kare wa seika kōjō de hataraite imasu.) — He works in a shoe manufacturing factory.
- 軍靴 (gunka) — military boots
Example: 軍靴の音が遠くから聞こえてきました。 (Gunka no oto ga tōku kara kikoete kimashita.) — The sound of military boots was heard from afar.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi (native Japanese reading) for 靴 is くつ (kutsu). This is by far the most common and direct way to read 靴, used whenever you refer to 'shoes' or 'footwear' in general. It's almost always written with this reading, making it essential vocabulary for any Japanese learner.
- 靴 (kutsu) — shoes, footwear
Example: 新しい靴を買いました。 (Atarashii kutsu o kaimashita.) — I bought new shoes.
- 靴下 (kutsushita) — socks (literally, 'below the shoes')
Example: 寒いので、厚い靴下を履いています。 (Samui node, atsui kutsushita o haite imasu.) — It's cold, so I'm wearing thick socks.
- 長靴 (nagagutsu) — boots, rain boots (literally, 'long shoes')
Example: 雨の日には長靴を履きます。 (Ame no hi ni wa nagagutsu o hakimasu.) — I wear boots on rainy days.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 靴 combines with other kanji to create many words related to different kinds of footwear and shoe accessories. Learning these compounds is key to expanding your vocabulary around this everyday item.
General Footwear:
靴 (kutsu) — shoes, footwear
靴下 (kutsushita) — socks
長靴 (nagagutsu) — boots, rain boots
革靴 (kawagutsu) — leather shoes
運動靴 (undōgutsu) — athletic shoes, sneakers
上履き (uwabaki) — indoor shoes, slippers (used in schools or homes)
Shoe-related Items & Places:
靴屋 (kutsuya) — shoe store, shoemaker
靴紐 (kutsuhimo) — shoelaces
靴磨き (kutsumigaki) — shoe polish, shoe shining
下駄箱 (getabako) — shoe cabinet, shoe rack (often found at entrances in Japan)
Figurative & Idiomatic Expressions:
隔靴掻痒 (kakka sōyō) — scratching an itch from outside the shoe; meaning: being frustrated because something isn't quite right, an indirect or ineffective approach to a problem. This idiom vividly describes the feeling of being unable to achieve a desired outcome directly, much like trying to scratch an itch on your foot without taking off your shoe.
Example Sentences
新しい靴を履いて出かけました。
Atarashii kutsu o haite dekakemashita.
I went out wearing new shoes.
彼の靴はとても汚れています。
Kare no kutsu wa totemo yogorete imasu.
His shoes are very dirty.
この靴はサイズが合いません。
Kono kutsu wa saizu ga aimasen.
These shoes don't fit.
雨の日は長靴を履くことが多いです。
Ame no hi wa nagagutsu o haku koto ga ooi desu.
I often wear rain boots on rainy days.
私は靴下を履くのが好きではありません。
Watashi wa kutsushita o haku no ga suki dewa arimasen.
I don't like wearing socks.
古い運動靴を捨てて、新しいのを買いました。
Furui undōgutsu o sutete, atarashii no o kaimashita.
I threw away my old sneakers and bought new ones.
デパートの靴屋でプレゼントを選びました。
Depāto no kutsuya de purezento o erabimashita.
I chose a present at the department store's shoe shop.
彼女はいつもおしゃれな革靴を履いています。
Kanojo wa itsumo share na kawagutsu o haite imasu.
She always wears stylish leather shoes.
その隔靴掻痒の気持ちが彼をイライラさせた。
Sono kakka sōyō no kimochi ga kare o iraira saseta.
That feeling of scratching an itch from outside the shoe made him frustrated.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 靴, focus on its two main components. On the left is 革 (kawa), meaning 'leather'—a direct link to the main material for many shoes. On the right is 化 (ka), which means 'to change' or 'to transform.' So, picture 'leather' (革) being 'transformed' (化) into 'shoes.' Imagine a skilled shoemaker turning a piece of leather into a beautiful, functional pair of shoes. This mental image directly connects the components to the kanji's meaning, making it much easier to recall.