Meaning
The kanji 参 (san, mairu) signifies 'participation,' 'visiting,' 'attending,' or 'consulting.' Importantly, it also functions as a humble verb form for 'to go' (行く, iku) and 'to come' (来る, kuru), an essential part of humble Japanese (謙譲語, kenjougo). This humility is particularly evident when you describe your own actions of going or coming, especially when addressing a superior or visiting a revered place.
Historically, the kanji 参 likely originated as an ideograph or pictograph. Its ancient forms often depicted three human figures or three elements arranged together. Some theories propose it originally represented a constellation (specifically Orion, known as 参宿 in Chinese astronomy, referring to three bright stars) or three people walking side by side. This visual connection to 'three' or 'multiple elements gathering' naturally led to its extended meanings of 'participation,' 'joining,' or 'coming together' for an event or to a specific location.
Visually, the kanji 参 is formed by three instances of the component 厶 (mu). This component can be interpreted as a person or a private space, appearing stacked and arranged. This triplicate structure effectively reinforces the idea of multiple entities gathering or moving towards a point, thereby linking its visual form to the core meanings of participation and visiting. The kanji 参 has 11 strokes and is taught in the 4th grade of Japanese elementary school.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 参 is サン (san). You'll find this reading in many compound words related to participation, reference, visiting sacred places, or even numerical contexts (though less common in everyday Japanese).
- 参加 (sanka) — participation, taking part. This is one of the most common compounds, frequently used when joining an event, meeting, or activity.
例：会議に参加する (kaigi ni sanka suru) — to participate in a meeting.
- 参考 (sankou) — reference, consultation. Often used when providing information that might be helpful, or for looking something up.
例：参考書 (sankousho) — reference book.
- 参拝 (sanpai) — visiting a shrine or temple for worship. This compound specifically refers to a reverent visit to a sacred site, such as a shrine or temple.
例：神社を参拝する (jinja o sanpai suru) — to visit a shrine.
- 参戦 (sansen) — participation in a war, or joining a battle or competition.
例：ワールドカップに参戦する (waarudo kappu ni sansen suru) — to participate in the World Cup.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi for 参 is まいる (mairu), which is a humble verb. Another common form is まいり (mairi), often used as a noun or in compounds.
- 参る (mairu) — to go/come (humble form), to visit (humble form). This verb is essential for humbly describing your own movement.
例：明日会社に参ります (ashita kaisha ni mairimasu) — I will go to the company tomorrow (humble).
- お参り (omairi) — a visit (to a shrine/temple). This is a common noun form, often preceded by the honorific 'o-,' indicating a respectful visit.
例：お参りに行く (omairi ni iku) — to go for a shrine/temple visit.
- 参り (mairi) — the act of going or coming (noun form), often found within specific compounds like 初参り.
例：初参り (hatsumairi) — first shrine/temple visit (e.g., of the year or for a newborn).
Common Words & Compounds
To truly grasp 参, it's crucial to see it in context. Below are more common words and compounds, categorized for easier learning:
General Participation/Involvement:
参加 (sanka) — participation, joining
参画 (sankaku) — participation in a plan or project, involvement
参画者 (sankakusha) — participant, stakeholder
参戦国 (sansenkoku) — participating country (in a war or conflict)
Reference/Consultation:
参考 (sankou) — reference, consultation, suggestion
参照 (sanshou) — reference, referring to, consultation
参酌 (sanshaku) — taking into consideration, consulting and weighing (e.g., different opinions)
Visiting/Attending (Humble Forms):
参る (mairu) — to go/come (humble), to visit (humble)
参上 (sanjou) — calling on, visiting (very humble, typically from an inferior to a superior)
参拝者 (sanpaisha) — worshipper, visitor to a shrine/temple
お参り (omairi) — a visit (to a shrine/temple)
初参り (hatsumairi) — first shrine visit (of the year, for a child, etc.)
Political/Official Terminology:
参議院 (sangiin) — House of Councillors (the upper house of the Japanese parliament)
参謀 (sanbou) — staff officer, strategist
参内 (sannai) — visiting the imperial palace
Example Sentences
来週の会議に参加します。
Raishuu no kaigi ni sanka shimasu.
I will participate in next week's meeting.
先生のお宅へは明日参つもりです。
Sensei no otaku e wa asu mairu tsumori desu.
I intend to visit my teacher's house tomorrow (humble).
この資料はご参考までにどうぞ。
Kono shiryou wa go-sankou made ni douzo.
Please use these materials for reference.
お客様は既にお見えに参っております。
Okyakusama wa sude ni omie ni maitte orimasu.
The guest has already arrived (humble).
毎年、家族と神社へお参りに行きます。
Maitoshi, kazoku to jinja e omairi ni ikimasu.
Every year, I go to visit the shrine with my family.
彼は会議に参画し、重要な意見を述べました。
Kare wa kaigi ni sankaku shi, juuyou na iken o nobemashita.
He participated in the meeting and expressed important opinions.
詳細は次のページを参照してください。
Shousai wa tsugi no peeji o sanshou shite kudasai.
Please refer to the next page for details.
あの映画の監督は何度か賞に参っているそうですよ。
Ano eiga no kantoku wa nando ka shou ni maitte iru sou desu yo.
I heard that director of that movie has won several awards (lit. "gone to" awards).
伊勢神宮への初参りは、日本の文化に触れる貴重な機会でした。
Ise Jinguu e no hatsumairi wa, Nihon no bunka ni fureru kichou na kikai deshita.
My first visit to Ise Grand Shrine was a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese culture.
Memory Tip
To remember 参, let's break down its visual components. The kanji is strikingly composed of three instances of the component 厶 (mu). Imagine these three '厶' shapes as three people. Perhaps they are "participating" in a group activity or "visiting" a location together. Alternatively, you could visualize them as "three" mountains or peaks that someone must "go to" or "come to." This consistent connection to the number three, whether through people or distinct elements, should help you recall its core meanings of 'participate,' 'visit,' and 'go/come (humble).'"