Meaning
The kanji 券 primarily conveys the idea of a "ticket," "coupon," or "bond." It signifies a document that grants specific rights, privileges, or represents value. Its historical origins provide fascinating insight into this meaning. The character consists of two main parts. The upper component, 刀 (かたな), translates to "sword" or "knife." The lower component, 卩 (ふしづくり), depicts a "seal" or "stamp," often linked with official documents or a kneeling figure. When these elements are combined, 券 can be understood as a symbol for something officially "cut" or "stamped" from a larger document or authority. This action certifies its validity and purpose. This visual etymology clearly connects to how tickets and bonds are used today as segmented or issued proofs of purchase or ownership. With eight strokes, 券 is a straightforward character to write. It is also designated as a Grade 4 Kyōiku kanji, meaning it's taught in Japanese elementary schools. This reflects its fundamental role in daily life and commerce. Additionally, it is an essential kanji for the N3 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 券 is ケン (KEN). This reading is very common and appears in nearly all compound words related to tickets, bonds, and certificates. When you encounter 券 as part of a compound, it is almost always pronounced ケン.
- 入場券 (nyūjōken) — This compound refers to an "admission ticket," such as one you would use to enter a concert, museum, or event. It combines 入場 (admission) with 券 (ticket).
- 乗車券 (jōshaken) — Meaning a "passenger ticket" or "boarding ticket," typically for trains, buses, or other forms of public transportation. It combines 乗車 (riding a vehicle) with 券.
- 債券 (saiken) — This term refers to a "bond," a financial instrument representing a loan made by an investor to a borrower. It combines 債 (debt) with 券.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Unlike many kanji, 券 lacks a commonly used or standardized Kun'yomi reading when it appears alone. Its usage is almost exclusively found in On'yomi compounds, where it consistently contributes to meanings like "ticket," "voucher," or "bond." This simplifies learning its readings. You primarily need to remember its sole On'yomi, ケン, and connect it with its various compound forms.
Common Words & Compounds
券 features in numerous compound words, especially those related to different kinds of tickets, vouchers, and financial certificates. Learning these compounds is crucial for understanding how this kanji is used in practice.
Types of Tickets and Vouchers:
入場券 (nyūjōken) — admission ticket
割引券 (waribikiken) — discount coupon or voucher
回数券 (kaisūken) — book of tickets (for multiple uses), commutation ticket
引換券 (hikikaeken) — exchange ticket, voucher
整理券 (seiriken) — numbered ticket, queue ticket
招待券 (shōtaiken) — invitation ticket
商品券 (shōhinken) — gift certificate, merchandise coupon
食事券 (shokujiken) — meal ticket, food voucher
航空券 (kōkūken) — airline ticket
Financial and Official Documents:
株券 (kabuken) — share certificate, stock certificate
債券 (saiken) — bond (e.g., government bond)
証券 (shōken) — securities, bonds, certificates (often used in a broader financial context)
証券会社 (shōkengaisha) — securities company, brokerage firm
Example Sentences
コンサートの入場券をなくしてしまいました。
Konsāto no nyūjōken o nakushite shimaimashita.
I lost my concert admission ticket.
この割引券はいつまで有効ですか。
Kono waribikiken wa itsu made yūkō desu ka?
How long is this discount coupon valid?
電車に乗るために乗車券を買いました。
Densha ni noru tame ni jōshaken o kaimashita.
I bought a passenger ticket to ride the train.
彼は新しい会社の株券を購入しました。
Kare wa atarashii kaisha no kabuken o kōnyū shimashita.
He purchased share certificates of the new company.
銀行で国債などの債券が購入できます。
Ginkō de kokusai nado no saiken ga kōnyū dekimasu.
You can purchase bonds, such as government bonds, at the bank.
この店では商品券が使えます。
Kono omise de wa shōhinken ga tsukaemasu.
You can use gift certificates at this store.
映画を観るために映画券を予約しました。
Eiga o miru tame ni eigaken o yoyaku shimashita.
I reserved movie tickets to watch the film.
フライトの航空券はもう手配しましたか。
Furaito no kōkūken wa mō tehai shimashita ka?
Have you already arranged the airline ticket for your flight?
Memory Tip
To remember 券, visualize its components. Imagine a "knife" (刀) used to "cut" (the top part, suggesting a cutting action) an official "seal" or "stamp" (卩, the bottom part, indicating official documentation). This act of cutting and stamping creates a piece of paper—a "ticket" or "voucher"—that grants access or confirms a transaction. Picture tearing a ticket from a roll or getting a receipt stamped. The knife component signifies the official issuance of the ticket, while the seal reinforces its authenticity and purpose. This mental image effectively links the character's parts to its core meaning.