Meaning
The kanji 案 (AN) is a highly versatile character in Japanese, foundational for expressing various concepts. Its primary meanings revolve around 'plan,' 'idea,' 'proposal,' 'draft,' and 'suggestion.' Though less common today, it also retains an older meaning of 'desk' or 'table.' When you see 案, picture a structured thought or concept presented for consideration. This could be anything from a blueprint for action to an innovative idea or a preliminary document draft.
Its etymological origin is quite interesting. The character 案 is a phono-semantic compound. The radical on the left, 木 (き), means 'tree' or 'wood,' signifying the material. This component points to its original meaning: a wooden 'desk' or 'table.' The right-hand component, 安 (あん), is the phonetic element, pronounced 'an,' but also carries the meaning of 'peace' or 'ease.' Over time, the meaning evolved from a physical 'desk' where documents were placed to the 'document' itself, especially a draft or a plan written on it. This transition from a concrete object to an abstract concept is a common phenomenon in kanji development. Thus, the visual form directly connects to its original purpose as a wooden surface for work. From there, its meaning conceptually expanded to include the 'work' or 'ideas' created on such a surface.
Comprising 10 strokes, 案 is taught in Grade 4 of elementary school in Japan. This makes it a character learned relatively early, yet it's profoundly useful in both daily communication and formal settings. Its inclusion in JLPT N3 highlights its significance for intermediate learners, who should grasp both its core meanings and frequent compound usages.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary and almost exclusively used on'yomi reading for 案 is アン (AN). This reading, derived from Chinese, is consistently applied when 案 forms part of a compound word, which is its most frequent usage in modern Japanese. Understanding this reading is crucial for deciphering countless vocabulary words related to planning, suggesting, and drafting.
- 提案 (tei'an) — proposal, suggestion. This compound is used when someone presents an idea or a plan for others to consider. For example, a business proposal or a suggestion for a group activity.
- 計画案 (keikakuan) — plan, project (draft). This refers to a preliminary or detailed plan for a project or event. It emphasizes the 'draft' or 'version' aspect of a plan.
- 草案 (souan) — draft, rough sketch. This specifically denotes an initial, unpolished version of a document, law, or work.
- 名案 (mei'an) — brilliant idea, clever plan. Used to describe an excellent or inspired idea.
- 思案 (shi'an) — thought, consideration, deliberation. This compound describes the act of thinking deeply or pondering over something.
These examples demonstrate how 案, through its アン reading, consistently contributes the meaning of 'idea,' 'plan,' or 'draft' to various compound words.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
While some older dictionaries may list 案 as having a kun'yomi of つくえ (tsukue), meaning 'desk,' this reading is extremely rare in modern usage, with 机 being the standard kanji for 'desk.' For JLPT N3 learners, it's important to note that 案 itself does not have a commonly used, standalone kun'yomi. However, acknowledge the related verb 案じる (anjiru), which means 'to be anxious about,' 'to be concerned about,' or 'to ponder.' While 案じる uses the kanji 案, it's a verb form and not a direct kun'yomi of the isolated kanji in the same way that 食べる (taberu) is a kun'yomi for 食 (shoku).
Therefore, for practical purposes at the N3 level, focus almost entirely on the on'yomi アン. This is the reading you will encounter most frequently when 案 is used in compound words. While the historical connection to 'desk' and the related verb 案じる offer interesting context, they are not considered primary readings for the kanji 案 in its modern, everyday use.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 案 is a highly versatile character, forming numerous essential compound words for expressing ideas, plans, and proposals in Japanese. These words often appear in business, politics, and daily conversations.
- 案 (an) — idea, plan, suggestion. This is the most basic usage, referring directly to a concept or proposal.
- 提案 (tei'an) — proposal, suggestion. Frequently used in meetings or formal settings to present an idea.
- 計画案 (keikakuan) — plan, project (draft). Refers to the preliminary outline or blueprint of a plan.
- 草案 (souan) — draft, rough sketch. Used for initial versions of documents, laws, or speeches.
- 法案 (houan) — bill (in legislature). A proposed law presented to a parliament or assembly.
- 名案 (mei'an) — brilliant idea, clever plan. Expresses admiration for an excellent idea.
- 私案 (shi'an) — private plan, personal idea. A plan or idea that is personal or not yet officially presented.
- 方案 (houan) — plan, scheme, program. Similar to 案 but often implies a more structured or formal plan.
- 思案 (shi'an) — thought, consideration, deliberation. The act of pondering or thinking something over carefully.
- 案内 (annai) — guidance, information, leading. This word combines 案 (idea/plan) with 内 (inside), literally 'inside a plan,' meaning to guide someone or provide information.
- 案外 (angai) — unexpected, surprisingly. Literally 'outside a plan/expectation,' meaning something happens contrary to what was expected.
- 事案 (jian) — incident, case, matter. Refers to a specific issue or event that needs to be addressed.
- 本案 (hon'an) — original plan, main proposal. The principal plan or suggestion among several.
- 発案 (hatsuan) — suggestion, invention of an idea. The act of coming up with or originating an idea.
- 一案 (ichi'an) — one idea, one proposal. Refers to one specific plan or idea among possibilities.
These compounds showcase the wide array of situations where 案 is employed, ranging from formal proposals to casual expressions of surprise. All these usages ultimately stem from its core meaning of a 'plan' or 'idea.'
Example Sentences
新しい企画の案を出しました。
Atarashii kikaku no an o dashimashita.
I submitted a new project proposal.
彼の提案は実に名案だと思います。
Kare no teian wa jitsu ni mei'an da to omoimasu.
I think his suggestion is truly a brilliant idea.
会議でその法案について議論されました。
Kaigi de sono houan ni tsuite giron saremashita.
The bill was discussed at the meeting.
旅行の計画案を作るのに時間がかかりました。
Ryokō no keikakuan o tsukuru no ni jikan ga kakarimashita.
It took time to create the travel plan.
彼が新しいアイデアを発案しました。
Kare ga atarashii aidea o hatsuan shimashita.
He came up with a new idea.
思案の末、その計画を実行することにしました。
Shi'an no sue, sono keikaku o jikkou suru koto ni shimashita.
After much consideration, we decided to execute the plan.
最初の草案はまだ完璧ではなかった。
Saisho no souan wa mada kanpeki dewa nakatta.
The initial draft was not yet perfect.
彼が案外と料理が上手なのには驚きました。
Kare ga angai to ryōri ga jōzu nano niwa odorokimashita.
I was surprised that he was unexpectedly good at cooking.
駅までの道を案内してください。
Eki made no michi o annai shite kudasai.
Please guide me to the station.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 案, focus on its components: the left part is 木 (き), meaning 'tree' or 'wood,' and the right part is 安 (あん), meaning 'peace' or 'ease.' You can imagine a sturdy wooden desk (木), representing its original meaning. On this desk, you can sit and develop a peaceful (安) and well-thought-out plan or idea (案). Picture yourself calmly at a wooden table, crafting a brilliant proposal. This combination visually reinforces the idea of a stable foundation—the desk—on which clear thoughts and peaceful plans (安) are formed. This mnemonic helps bridge the gap between its historical and modern meanings.