Meaning
The kanji 定 (tei, jou, sada-meru, sada-maru, sada-ka) is a core character in Japanese. It conveys ideas of establishment, decision, and stability. Its meanings center around something being fixed, settled, or determined. You'll often see this kanji in many situations, from everyday talks to formal papers. It's a key character for all learners, particularly those aiming for the JLPT N3 level.
Looking at its visual structure reveals its etymological roots. The kanji 定 combines two main parts. At the top is the radical 宀 (u-kanmuri), which means "roof" or "house." Below it is the character 正 (shō, sei, tada-shii), meaning "correct" or "straight," adapted to fit. Picture a house where everything is in its proper place. This image directly connects to 定's meaning of being stable, fixed, or decided. When things are "correct" or "straight" under a "roof," they become settled and steady. This visual helps us grasp the concepts of order, permanence, and decision.
定 has 8 strokes, making it quite simple to write. Its appearance in the 3rd grade of elementary school shows its basic importance in Japanese writing. Knowing that 定 comes from "roof" and "correct/straight" offers a powerful memory aid. It helps learners recall its main meanings: to fix, decide, establish, and be stable or certain. Its simple shape contains a rich depth of use in the language.
Readings
The kanji 定 has both on'yomi (Chinese-derived readings) and kun'yomi (native Japanese readings). Each is used in different contexts to show its varied meanings. Learning these readings and their related words is vital for a full grasp of the kanji.
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
定's main on'yomi readings are テイ (tei) and ジョウ (jou).
- 予定 (yotei) — plan; schedule. This refers to a pre-arranged schedule or an intention.
- 決定 (kettei) — decision; determination. This means a firm choice or resolution has been made.
- 定食 (teishoku) — set meal; daily special. This is a common term for a fixed menu or a meal with a predetermined selection of dishes.
ジョウ (jou): Less frequent than テイ, this reading appears in words that often show stability, a set amount, or a settled state.
- 安定 (antei) — stability; equilibrium. This describes being steady and not easily disturbed.
- 勘定 (kanjō) — calculation; bill; account. This refers to counting or settling a financial account.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi readings come from native Japanese verbs and adjectives. They embody the meanings of 定 and often carry a more direct, active sense of "deciding" or "becoming fixed."
さだ・める (sada-meru): This is the transitive verb form. It means "to decide," "to establish," or "to determine." It shows an action taken by someone to fix something.
- 定める (sadameru) — to decide; to establish. For instance, to set rules or to determine a course of action.
- 方針を定める (hōshin wo sadameru) — to decide on a policy.
さだ・まる (sada-maru): This is the intransitive verb form. It means "to be decided," "to become fixed," or "to settle." It describes something becoming stable or fixed naturally or through a process.
- 定まる (sadameru) — to be decided; to become fixed. For example, the weather becomes settled, or a situation is resolved.
- 態度が定まる (taido ga sadamaru) — one's attitude becomes fixed.
さだ・か (sada-ka): This reading works as a nominal adjective or adverb. It means "certain," "definite," or "clear." It describes a state of being unambiguous.
- 定か (sadaka) — certain; definite; clear. Often used with negation, like 定かではない (sadaka dewa nai) meaning "it's not clear."
- 生死が定かでない (seishi ga sadaka de nai) — it's uncertain whether one is alive or dead.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 定 is very versatile, appearing in many key Japanese words and compounds. These words often group into themes like planning, making decisions, stability, and regularity.
Here are some common words and compounds using 定, sorted by their connection:
General Decision and Planning
- 予定 (yotei) — plan; schedule; expectation. An action or event planned for the future.
- 決定 (kettei) — decision; determination. The act of making a firm choice.
- 定義 (teigi) — definition. Establishing the precise meaning of a term.
- 指定 (shitei) — designation; specification; assignment. Marking or choosing something for a particular purpose.
Stability and Fixation
- 安定 (antei) — stability; equilibrium; steadiness. A state of being unchanging and secure.
- 固定 (kotei) — fixation; securing; fastening. Making something immobile or permanent.
- 不安定 (fuantei) — instability; insecurity. The opposite of stability, suggesting unsteadiness.
Regularity and Fixed Terms
- 定期 (teiki) — fixed period; regular (e.g., ticket, subscription). Something occurring at regular intervals or for a set duration.
- 定休日 (teikyūbi) — regular holiday. A fixed day of rest for a business or institution.
- 定価 (teika) — fixed price; list price. The established price of an item.
Other Important Compounds
- 勘定 (kanjō) — calculation; bill; account. The process of counting or a statement of charges.
- 否定 (hitei) — denial; negation. The act of refusing to accept something as true.
- 設定 (settei) — setting; configuration; establishment. Arranging or adjusting parameters.
Example Sentences
来週の予定が定まりました。
Raishū no yotei ga sadamarimashita.
Next week's plans have been decided.
この会議で最終決定を定めます。
Kono kaigi de saishū kettei wo sadamemasu.
We will make the final decision at this meeting.
店の定休日は毎週火曜日です。
Mise no teikyūbi wa maishū kayōbi desu.
The shop's regular holiday is every Tuesday.
彼の意見はまだ定かではない。
Kare no iken wa mada sadaka dewa nai.
His opinion is not yet clear/definite.
将来の目標を定めることが大切だ。
Shōrai no mokuhyō wo sadameru koto ga taisetsu da.
It's important to set future goals.
株価が安定し、経済が定着してきた。
Kabuka ga antei shi, keizai ga teichaku shite kita.
Stock prices stabilized, and the economy has become established.
一度定めたルールは、簡単には変更できない。
Ichido sadameta rūru wa, kantan ni wa henkō dekinai.
Once rules are established, they cannot be easily changed.
彼は自分の人生の方向性を定めようとしている。
Kare wa jibun no jinsei no hōkōsei wo sadameyou to shite iru.
He is trying to determine the direction of his life.
今夜は満月が定かに見えるでしょう。
Kon'ya wa mangetsu ga sadaka ni mieru deshō.
Tonight, the full moon will surely be visible.
Memory Tip
To remember 定, picture a "roof" (宀) above someone standing "correctly" or "straight" (正). This image suggests that under a steady roof, everything is in its proper spot. This leads to a state of being "fixed," "decided," or "stable." Think of it as settling into a safe and correct environment. The roof offers protection and structure. The "correct" posture implies a clear and unwavering state. So, when things are properly placed under a roof, they are decided, established, and stable.