Meaning
The kanji 係 (ケイ) is a versatile character with meanings like 'connection,' 'involvement,' 'responsibility,' and 'a person in charge.' It effectively conveys the idea of being linked or attached to something or someone.
Visually, 係 is made up of two main components. On the left is the radical 亻 (にんべん), a variant of 人 (ひと - person). On the right is 系 (いとへん/いと), meaning 'thread,' 'system,' or 'lineage.' When these are combined, they create a clear image: a 'person' (人) who is 'connected' or 'tied' (系) to a specific task, role, or relationship. Imagine someone bound by a thread to their duties or to another individual, signifying their involvement or responsibility. This visual representation directly reflects the kanji's core meanings of 'being related to,' 'being in charge of,' or 'being involved in.'
You'll often see this kanji in contexts where there's a clear link or assignment. For instance, it can refer to a person responsible for a particular section in an organization, or the relationship between two entities. 係 is a Jōyō kanji, meaning it's included in the list of characters designated for common use, and is typically encountered around the JLPT N3 level. It has 9 strokes and its radical is 人 (にんべん), highlighting its connection to human actions and roles.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading of 係 is ケイ (KEI).
This reading is common in compound words that convey ideas of connection, relation, or systems. These terms often have a more formal or abstract nuance.
- 関係 (kankei) — meaning relationship, connection, relation. This is arguably the most common compound word using 係, signifying the state of being linked. For example, 人間関係 (にんげんかんけい - human relationships).
- 係数 (keisū) — meaning coefficient, factor. In mathematics and science, this refers to a numerical or constant quantity that multiplies a variable in an algebraic expression. For instance, xの係数 (エックスのけいすう - the coefficient of x).
- 係争 (keisō) — meaning dispute, contention. This compound refers to a matter that is under dispute or being contested, indicating involvement in a conflict. For example, 係争中の土地 (けいそうちゅうのとち - land under dispute).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi readings for 係 are かか.る (kaka.ru), かかり (kakari), and かか.わる (kakawa.ru).
These readings are typically used for native Japanese words. They often function as verbs or nouns that directly describe actions or roles related to involvement and responsibility.
- 係 (kakari) — meaning person in charge, attendant, duty, section. When used as a noun on its own, it refers to the person or section responsible for something. For example, 受付係 (うけつけがかり - receptionist, person in charge of reception).
- 係員 (kakariin) — meaning attendant, staff member, person in charge. This term specifically refers to an individual assigned a particular duty. You might see 係員 (かかりいん) at a train station or an event.
- 係わる (kakawaru) — meaning to be involved in, to be concerned with, to affect. This verb describes the action of being connected or having an impact on something or someone. For example, 事件に係わる (じけんにかかわる - to be involved in an incident).
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 係 is essential for expressing concepts of connection, responsibility, and relationships in Japanese. Here are some common words and compounds, categorized for easier understanding:
Words related to Roles & Responsibility
- 係 (kakari) — a person in charge, an attendant, or a specific duty/section.
- 係員 (kakariin) — a staff member on duty, an attendant (e.g., at an event or train station).
- 係長 (kakarichō) — a section chief or subsection manager, a common position in Japanese companies.
- 担当係 (tantōgakari) — a person in charge of a specific task or area.
Words related to Relationships & Connections
- 関係 (kankei) — relationship, connection, relation. This word is crucial for describing how things or people are linked.
- 無関係 (mukankei) — unrelated, having no connection. This is the opposite of 関係.
- 間接的関係 (kansetsuteki kankei) — an indirect relationship.
- 家族関係 (kazoku kankei) — family relationship.
Words related to Involvement & Affairs
- 係わる (kakawaru) — to be involved in, to be concerned with, to affect. This verb emphasizes active participation or influence.
- 係争中 (keisōchū) — under dispute, in contention (referring to a matter).
Specialized or Technical Words
- 係数 (keisū) — coefficient (in mathematics or physics).
- 係留 (keiryū) — mooring (of a boat or airship).
- 係船 (keisen) — mooring a ship.
Example Sentences
この仕事は私達の部署には関係ありません。
Kono shigoto wa watashitachi no busho ni wa kankei arimasen.
This job has no relation to our department.
駅員に聞いて、乗車券売場の係を尋ねました。
Ekiin ni kiite, jōshaken uriba no kakari o tazunemashita.
I asked the station staff and inquired about the person in charge of the ticket counter.
この問題に係わると、大変なことになります。
Kono mondai ni kakawaru to, taihen na koto ni narimasu.
If you get involved in this problem, it will become very difficult.
彼は今回のプロジェクトの担当係です。
Kare wa konkai no purojekuto no tantōgakari desu.
He is the person in charge of this project.
ご不明な点がございましたら、窓口の係員にお尋ねください。
Go fumeina ten ga gozaimashitara, madoguchi no kakariin ni otazune kudasai.
If you have any questions, please ask the attendant at the counter.
この仕事は細かい作業が多く、集中力が係ってきます。
Kono shigoto wa komakai sagyō ga ooku, shūchūryoku ga kakatte kimasu.
This job involves a lot of detailed work, requiring concentration.
その事件と彼には直接の関係はありませんでした。
Sono jiken to kare ni wa chokusetsu no kankei wa arimasen deshita.
There was no direct connection between that incident and him.
私たちは環境問題に深く係わっています。
Watashitachi wa kankyō mondai ni fukaku kakawatte imasu.
We are deeply involved in environmental issues.
Memory Tip
To remember 係, think about its components: 亻 (person) and 系 (thread/system). Imagine a person (亻) who is metaphorically tied by a thread (系) to a task, a responsibility, or another person. This 'thread' represents their connection, involvement, or the fact that they are 'in charge' of something. The thread signifies a link that draws them into a situation or assigns them a role. Therefore, a 'person tied by a thread' means they are 'in charge,' 'connected,' or 'involved.'