Meaning
The kanji 他 (TA, hoka) means 'other,' 'another,' or 'else.' It refers to someone or something distinct from the current subject or object, highlighting a difference or an alternative. This kanji appears frequently in daily Japanese, making it crucial for expressing 'otherness'—whether it's another person, thing, or place.
Its etymology is quite clear, formed by combining two simpler components. The left-hand radical, 人 (ninben), is the 'person' radical, indicating the kanji often relates to people. The right-hand component, 匕 (hi), which resembles a spoon or a dagger, here suggests 'difference' or 'change.' Put together, 人 (person) and 匕 (difference/change) visually represent 'another person' or 'other things distinct from the current one.'
This visual structure clearly conveys the core meaning: a 'person' who is 'different' or 'other' from the one being discussed. Its straightforwardness makes it a fundamental character for learners, especially at the N3 level. With just 6 strokes, 他 is taught in the 2nd grade of Japanese elementary school, making it one of the earlier kanji students encounter.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi, or Chinese-derived reading, for 他 is タ. This reading commonly appears in compound words, particularly in more formal or abstract contexts, where it emphasizes 'otherness' or 'another' in a broader sense.
- 他人 (tanin) — This compound directly translates to 'another person' or 'stranger.' It refers to individuals outside oneself or one's immediate family/group. For example, 他人の意見 (tanin no iken) means 'other people's opinions.'
- 他界 (takai) — Literally meaning 'other world,' this term is a polite euphemism for 'death' or 'the next world.' For instance, 彼は他界した (kare wa takai shita) means 'he passed away.'
- 他動詞 (tadōshi) — In grammar, this refers to a 'transitive verb,' which is a verb that requires a direct object, affecting 'another' thing. Its counterpart is 自動詞 (jidōshi), an intransitive verb.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi, or native Japanese reading, for 他 is ほか. This reading is very common, appearing both as a standalone word and with accompanying kana (okurigana). You'll often hear it in everyday conversations and see it in casual written Japanese, conveying meanings like 'other,' 'another,' 'besides,' or 'except.'
- 他 (hoka) — Used by itself, it means 'other,' 'another,' or 'else.' For example, 他にも (hoka ni mo) means 'in addition to that' or 'besides that.'
- その他 (sono hoka) — This phrase means 'besides that,' 'in addition,' or 'etcetera.' It's used to mention additional items or points after listing a few.
- 他に (hoka ni) — Meaning 'otherwise,' 'in addition to,' or 'besides,' this is a highly versatile adverbial phrase. For example, 他に何かありますか (hoka ni nani ka arimasu ka?) asks 'Is there anything else?'
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 他 forms a variety of useful words and compounds, categorized here by their common themes:
People and Identity
- 他人 (tanin) — another person, stranger. This term highlights the distinction between oneself or one's group and someone outside it.
- 他者 (tasha) — other people, others. More formally used than 他人, often in philosophical or sociological contexts to refer to the collective 'other.'
- 他方 (tahō) — another side, the other party. It can refer to the opposing side in an argument or discussion.
General "Other" and Distinction
- 他 (hoka) — other, another, else. The most direct and common usage, often appearing with particles.
- その他 (sono hoka) — besides, in addition, etc. Essential for listing items and indicating there are more.
- 他に (hoka ni) — otherwise, in addition to. A versatile adverbial phrase.
- 他所 (yoso) — another place, elsewhere, other people's affairs. Despite its irregular reading, 他所 is commonly used to refer to places or people not directly involved with oneself. For example, 他所の家 (yoso no ie) means 'someone else's house.'
- 他意 (tai) — ulterior motive, malice, ill will. Often used in the negative, like 他意はない (tai wa nai), meaning 'I have no ulterior motives.'
- 他日 (tajitsu) — another day, a future day. Used to refer to a different day in the past or future.
Grammar and Specific Fields
- 他動詞 (tadōshi) — transitive verb. As mentioned, a verb that takes a direct object.
- 他流 (taryū) — another school, another style (e.g., in martial arts or performing arts). Refers to a different tradition or lineage.
- 他国 (takoku) — another country, foreign country. Indicates a nation other than one's own.
Example Sentences
他に何か質問はありますか。
Hoka ni nani ka shitsumon wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any other questions?
彼は他人の意見もよく聞きます。
Kare wa tanin no iken mo yoku kikimasu.
He also listens carefully to other people's opinions.
この仕事は、彼の他にできる人がいません。
Kono shigoto wa, kare no hoka ni dekiru hito ga imasen.
No one else can do this job besides him.
子供が他所へ行かないように、注意してください。
Kodomo ga yoso e ikanai yō ni, chūi shite kudasai.
Please be careful so that the child does not go elsewhere.
「食べる」は他動詞で、「寝る」は自動詞です。
“Taberu” wa tadōshi de, “neru” wa jidōshi desu.
“To eat” is a transitive verb, and “to sleep” is an intransitive verb.
祖母が他界してから、もう10年が経ちました。
Sobo ga takai shite kara, mō jū-nen ga tachimashita.
It has already been 10 years since my grandmother passed away.
この計画には、その他にもいくつかの課題があります。
Kono keikaku ni wa, sono hoka ni mo ikutsuka no kadai ga arimasu.
In addition to this, there are several other issues with this plan.
彼女が私に話しかけてきたのは、他意のないことでした。
Kanojo ga watashi ni hanashikakete kita no wa, tai no nai koto deshita.
Her speaking to me was without any ulterior motive.
人間は他者との関係性の中で自己を認識します。
Ningen wa tasha to no kankeisei no naka de jiko o ninshiki shimasu.
Humans recognize themselves through their relationships with others.
Memory Tip
To remember 他, focus on its two main components. The left side is the radical 人 (ninben), representing a 'person.' The right side is 匕, which resembles a 'spoon' or 'dagger.' Here, 匕 functions to convey 'difference' or 'change.' Imagine a person (人) pointing with a spoon/dagger (匕) to indicate 'that one' or 'another one'—a different one from what's currently being discussed. Alternatively, you can think of a 'person' (人) who is 'different' (匕 representing distinction) from you, signifying 'another person' or 'other.' These visual connections can help you link the components to the core meaning of 'other' or 'another.'