Meaning
The kanji 宿 (yado) is a character you'll frequently encounter, particularly when discussing travel or accommodation. At its core, 宿 signifies 'inn,' 'lodge,' or 'dwelling.' It also encompasses the idea of 'staying overnight' or 'dwelling' in a broader sense. Additionally, in certain contexts, it can even touch upon 'karma' or 'destiny.' This deeper meaning arises from the concept of pre-determined 'places' or 'times' one is meant to 'stay' or 'dwell' in.
The kanji's origins reveal it to be a semantic-phonetic compound: one part hints at the meaning, and another hints at the sound. The upper component, 宀 (うかんむり – ukanmuri), is the 'roof' radical, strongly suggesting a 'house' or 'shelter.' Below it, 勹 is an ancient form that suggests a 'person' or 'kneeling figure' (sometimes related to the radical 卩). Visually, one can imagine someone taking shelter or staying overnight under a roof. This perfectly captures the essence of finding lodging or a place to rest.
This kanji has 11 strokes, making it a moderately complex character to write. It is officially taught in the 6th grade in Japanese schools, so by the time you're studying for N3, you're well-positioned to learn it.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi readings are derived from Chinese pronunciations and are often used when the kanji appears as part of a compound word, especially with other kanji.
- シュク (shuku)
This is the primary On'yomi reading for 宿. It is most frequently used when referring to accommodation, tasks, or destiny.
- 宿泊 (shukuhaku) — lodging, accommodation (literally 'lodge and stay'). This is a common term used when booking hotels or discussing travel plans.
- 宿題 (shukudai) — homework. Literally, it means 'task for lodging' or 'task to be done at home'.
- 宿命 (shukumei) — fate, destiny (literally 'lodged/fixed fate'). This refers to something pre-determined, as if 'lodged' within one's life path.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations. They are often used when the kanji appears alone or with hiragana endings (okurigana).
- やど (yado)
This reading is primarily used as a noun, meaning 'inn,' 'lodge,' 'home,' or 'dwelling.' It can refer to a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) or any temporary place of stay.
宿を探す (yado o sagasu) — to look for lodging/an inn.
宿屋 (yadoya) — an inn, a hotel (literally 'inn shop').
古宿 (furuyado) — an old inn/lodge.
やどる (yadoru)
This verb means 'to lodge,' 'to dwell,' 'to stay,' or 'to harbor (feelings).' It often implies something residing or being present within something else.
魂が宿る (tamashii ga yadoru) — a soul dwells/resides (in something).
星が宿る (hoshi ga yadoru) — stars dwell/appear (in the sky, or reflected in eyes).
思いが心に宿る (omoi ga kokoro ni yadoru) — feelings reside in one's heart.
やどす (yadosu)
This transitive verb means 'to give lodging,' 'to harbor,' or 'to conceive (a child).' It signifies allowing something to dwell or stay.
- 客を宿す (kyaku o yadosu) — to accommodate guests.
- 子を宿す (ko o yadosu) — to conceive a child.
- 光を宿す (hikari o yadosu) — to hold/harbor light.
Common Words & Compounds
Here are some more common words and compounds using 宿, grouped by theme to help you remember them:
Accommodation & Lodging
- 下宿 (geshuku) — boarding house, lodging (often for students).
- 宿賃 (yadochin) — lodging fee, room charge.
- 民宿 (minshuku) — a Japanese-style bed and breakfast, private home lodging.
- 宿舎 (shukusha) — quarters, dormitory, lodging house.
Tasks & Destiny
- 宿直 (shukuchoku) — night duty, overnight watch.
- 宿願 (shukugan) — long-cherished wish, ardent prayer.
- 宿縁 (shukuen) — karma, destined relationship.
Verbs & Concepts
- 旅宿 (ryoshuku) — lodging for travelers.
- 宿場 (shukuba) — post station (historical, on a highway), relay station.
- 宿主 (yadonushi) — innkeeper, host (of a parasite).
Example Sentences
今夜の宿は決まりましたか？
Kon'ya no yado wa kimarimashita ka?
Have you decided on tonight's lodging?
明日までに宿題を終わらせなければなりません。
Ashita made ni shukudai o owarase nakereba narimasen.
I have to finish my homework by tomorrow.
私たちは旅館に宿泊しました。
Watashitachi wa ryokan ni shukuhaku shimashita.
We stayed overnight at a Japanese inn.
その鏡には、神秘的な力が宿っていると言われています。
Sono kagami ni wa, shinpiteki na chikara ga yadotte iru to iwarete imasu.
It is said that a mysterious power dwells in that mirror.
彼は友達の家に下宿しています。
Kare wa tomodachi no ie ni geshuku shite imasu.
He is lodging at his friend's house.
旅行中は色々な宿に泊まりました。
Ryokōchū wa iroirona yado ni tomarimashita.
I stayed at various inns during my trip.
この村は昔、旅人の宿場町でした。
Kono mura wa mukashi, tabibito no shukubamachi deshita.
This village used to be a post town for travelers.
彼女は新しい命を宿している。
Kanojo wa atarashii inochi o yadoshite iru.
She is carrying new life (is pregnant).
私たちの出会いは宿命だったのかもしれない。
Watashitachi no deai wa shukumei datta no kamoshirenai.
Our meeting might have been destiny.
Memory Tip
To remember 宿, consider its visual components. The top part, 宀 (ukanmuri), strongly resembles a 'roof' or 'house.' Below that, imagine a 'person' (勹 can be seen as a simplified person or someone kneeling) who is tired and seeking shelter. This person is 'staying' or 'lodging' under that roof. Thus, the kanji depicts a person resting and spending the night under a roof—exactly what one does at an inn or dwelling. This visual mnemonic helps connect the components directly to 宿's core meaning of 'lodge' or 'stay.'