Meaning
The kanji 役 (yaku) primarily conveys meanings related to a role, duty, service, office, post, use, and benefit. It can also refer to a 'part' in a play or a 'task' one is assigned. Fundamentally, 役 encapsulates the idea of fulfilling a function or undertaking a responsibility, often for the benefit of others or a system.
Its origin can be traced back to two components: 彳 (gyōninben), the 'going man' radical, which suggests movement, action, or being dispatched; and 又 (mata), meaning 'again' or 'hand.' Together, these elements paint a vivid picture of someone being sent or dispatched to perform a task, implying an assigned 'role' or 'duty.' The 'going man' radical emphasizes the act of moving to fulfill a purpose, while 'hand' can symbolize the labor or action involved in carrying out that purpose. This visual combination effectively illustrates the concept of performing a service or having a specific function.
The kanji 役 has 7 strokes and is taught in the 3rd grade of elementary school in Japan. This makes it a fundamental character you'll encounter in many common Japanese expressions related to work, responsibility, and social functions.
Readings
The kanji 役 has two primary On'yomi (Chinese-derived) readings. It does not have a common standalone Kun'yomi (native Japanese) reading. However, its On'yomi 'yaku' is so frequently used across various contexts that it might feel native to learners.
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
ヤク (yaku): This is the most common reading for 役, appearing in the vast majority of compound words. You'll widely encounter it when referring to roles, duties, usefulness, and official positions.
- 役割 (yakuwari) — role, part, assignment. This compound is essential for discussing the function or duty of a person or object, like チームでの役割 (team role).
- 役立つ (yakudatsu) — to be useful, to be helpful. This verb describes something or someone that provides benefit, such as この情報は役立つ (This information is useful).
- 役員 (yakuin) — officer, board member, executive. Refers to a person holding an official post within an organization, for instance, 会社の役員 (company executive).
- 役割を果たす (yakuwari o hatasu) — to fulfill one's role. This common expression emphasizes the importance of carrying out one's responsibilities.
エキ (eki): This reading is less common than ヤク. It typically appears in more specialized or historical contexts, often related to services, particularly public or military service.
- 兵役 (heieki) — military service, conscription. This term holds significant historical and social importance, referring to compulsory service in the armed forces.
- 役務 (ekimu) — service (official, contractual). You'll often encounter this term in legal or business contexts to refer to services rendered under a contract, like 役務の提供 (provision of services).
- 労役 (rōeki) — forced labor, penal servitude. This is a more historical term, referring to labor imposed as punishment.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 役 does not have a common standalone kun'yomi reading. While it appears frequently in compounds, these typically utilize its On'yomi (ヤク), even in combinations that function like native Japanese verbs or nouns. For example, 役立つ (yakudatsu) uses the On'yomi ヤク combined with the native verb 立つ (tatsu).
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 役 is incredibly versatile and forms many essential compounds in Japanese. Here are some common words and compounds, categorized by theme:
Roles and Positions
- 役割 (yakuwari) — role, part, assignment. This is a key term for defining one's function in a group or project.
- 役員 (yakuin) — officer, board member, executive. Refers to a person holding an official position in a company or organization.
- 主役 (shuyaku) — leading role, main character. Commonly used for protagonists in movies or plays, or the central figure in a real-life scenario.
- 脇役 (wakiyaku) — supporting role, supporting actor. The counterpart to 主役, referring to secondary characters.
- 役職 (yakushoku) — (official) post, executive position. More formal than 役員, referring specifically to the title or grade of a position.
- 役者 (yakusha) — actor/actress. Literally 'person of role,' highlighting their profession of performing roles.
Usefulness and Service
- 役立つ (yakudatsu) — to be useful, to be helpful. This verb is essential for expressing utility.
- 役に立つ (yaku ni tatsu) — to be useful, to be helpful (phrasal verb). This is a widely used and natural way to express usefulness.
- 役割を果たす (yakuwari o hatasu) — to fulfill one's role/duty. A phrase indicating the completion of an assigned task or responsibility.
- 役目 (yakume) — duty, function, office. Similar to 役割, but can sometimes imply a more inherent or traditional function.
- 兵役 (heieki) — military service. An important term with historical and social significance.
- 大役 (taiyaku) — important role/duty. Describes a significant and often challenging responsibility.
Government & Public Office
- 役所 (yakusho) — government office, public agency. A general term for any public office.
- 市役所 (shiyakusho) — city hall, municipal office. Specifically refers to a city's administrative building.
Example Sentences
彼女は映画で主役の役を演じた。
Kanojo wa eiga de shuyaku no yaku o enjita.
She played the leading role in the movie.
この本は日本語学習にとても役立つでしょう。
Kono hon wa nihongo gakushū ni totemo yakudatsu deshō.
This book will probably be very useful for learning Japanese.
あなたの会社での役割は何ですか。
Anata no kaisha de no yakuwari wa nan desu ka.
What is your role in the company?
チームの役員が新しい方針を発表した。
Chīmu no yakuin ga atarashii hōshin o happyō shita.
The team's executives announced a new policy.
ボランティア活動は地域社会の役に立つ。
Borantia katsudō wa chiiki shakai no yaku ni tatsu.
Volunteer activities are useful for the local community.
彼は重要な大役を任された。
Kare wa jūyōna taiyaku o makasareta.
He was entrusted with an important duty.
市役所で書類を提出する必要があります。
Shiyakusho de shorui o teishutsu suru hitsuyō ga arimasu.
I need to submit documents at the city hall.
その仕事は彼の経験が大いに役立つ分野だった。
Sono shigoto wa kare no keiken ga ōini yakudatsu bun'ya datta.
That job was a field where his experience was greatly useful.
舞台での脇役も、物語には欠かせない役だ。
Butai de no wakiyaku mo, monogatari ni wa kakasenai yaku da.
Even a supporting role on stage is an indispensable part of the story.
新しい役職に就くことに決まりました。
Atarashii yakushoku ni tsuku koto ni kimarimashita.
It has been decided that I will take on a new position.
Memory Tip
To remember 役, visualize a person (彳, the 'going man' radical) who is always ready to use their hands (又, the 'hand' radical) to help or perform a task. Imagine them walking with purpose, eager to lend a hand and fulfill their 'role' or 'duty.' This image of active participation and service—moving towards a goal with hands ready for action—strongly conveys the kanji's core meanings of 'role,' 'duty,' and 'service.' The components literally depict someone acting or being dispatched for a purpose.