Meaning
The kanji 格 (kaku) carries a rich array of meanings, all centered around concepts like 'status,' 'character,' 'rank,' 'standard,' 'style,' and 'qualification.' Essentially, it refers to the 'pattern' or 'shape' something takes, often in a social or structural context. It can describe a person's social standing, the inherent qualities that form a personality, or a set criterion by which something is judged.
Its visual composition offers clues to its depth. The left-hand radical, 木 (ki), signifies 'tree' or 'wood.' The right-hand component, 各 (kaku), primarily serves as a phonetic element. However, 各 also means 'each' or 'every,' and its original form depicted 'coming from all directions.' This suggests a framework or pattern encompassing multiple elements.
When these two elements combine, you can envision a 'tree' (木) being cut or shaped according to a specific 'pattern' or 'standard' (各). This imagery leads to the ideas of 'form,' 'style,' 'rank,' or 'grade.' Thus, 格 defines the inherent structure or quality of something – much like assigning a 'grade' to a piece of wood or establishing a 'standard' for construction.
This kanji consists of 10 strokes and is introduced in the 5th grade of Japanese elementary schools. Its early teaching underscores its fundamental importance in describing social structures, personal attributes, and established norms in the Japanese language.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi readings are derived from Chinese pronunciations and are typically used when 格 forms part of a compound word.
カク (kaku): This is the most common and versatile reading for 格. It appears in a wide range of words related to status, character, standards, and grammar, signifying the kanji's core meanings in most contexts.
資格 (shikaku) — qualification, eligibility. This refers to the specific status or ability required for a particular role or task.
合格 (gōkaku) — passing (an exam), success. Here, 格 denotes meeting a set standard or grade.
性格 (seikaku) — personality, character. This describes the inherent qualities or 'shape' of a person's nature.
本格的 (honkakuteki) — authentic, full-fledged, proper. It implies something that adheres to a true or original standard or style.
コウ (kō): This reading is less common than カク and appears in a more limited set of words, often related to structures or patterns.
格子 (kōshi) — lattice, grid. This refers to a structured pattern, often found in windows or screens.
格子戸 (kōshido) — latticed door. A door featuring a distinct grid pattern.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Unlike many other kanji, 格 does not have commonly used native Japanese (Kun'yomi) readings when it stands alone. Its meanings are almost exclusively conveyed through its On'yomi readings within compound words. While it might appear with a native reading in some very rare or specialized contexts, for practical JLPT N3 purposes and everyday Japanese, focusing on its On'yomi is sufficient.
Common Words & Compounds
Here are some common words and compounds using 格, grouped by related themes to illustrate its various applications.
Words related to Status, Rank, and Standards
- 資格 (shikaku) — qualification, eligibility.
Example: 彼は教員の資格を持っています。(He has a teacher's qualification.)
- 合格 (gōkaku) — passing (an exam), success.
Example: 試験に合格して、とても嬉しいです。(I'm very happy that I passed the exam.)
- 品格 (hinkaku) — dignity, grace, quality.
Example: 彼女は常に品格のある振る舞いをします。(She always behaves with dignity.)
- 地位と格 (chii to kaku) — status and rank. (While not a single compound, 格 is often used in combination with words like 地位 to emphasize status or social standing).
Example: 彼は高い地位と格を持つ人物です。(He is a person of high status and rank.)
- 規格 (kikaku) — standard, norm, specification.
Example: この製品は国際規格に合っています。(This product meets international standards.)
Words related to Personality and Style
- 性格 (seikaku) — personality, character.
Example: 彼は明るい性格で、みんなに好かれています。(He has a bright personality and is liked by everyone.)
- 人格 (jinkaku) — personality, character, human dignity.
Example: 他人の人格を尊重することは大切です。(It's important to respect others' human dignity.)
- 本格的 (honkakuteki) — authentic, full-fledged, proper.
Example: これは本格的なイタリア料理です。(This is authentic Italian cuisine.)
- 風格 (fūkaku) — dignity, presence, style (of a person or building).
Example: 彼には大物の風格があります。(He has the presence of a great person.)
Other specific uses
- 格助詞 (kakujoshi) — case particle (grammar).
Example: 「が」「を」「に」などは格助詞と呼ばれます。(Particles like 'ga,' 'o,' and 'ni' are called case particles.)
- 格子 (kōshi) — lattice, grid.
Example: 窓に木製の格子がはめられています。(Wooden lattices are fitted in the window.)
Example Sentences
彼は新しい仕事の資格を取得しました。
Kare wa atarashii shigoto no shikaku wo shutoku shimashita.
He obtained the qualifications for his new job.
試験に合格するために、一生懸命に勉強しました。
Shiken ni gōkaku suru tame ni, isshōkenmei ni benkyō shimashita.
I studied hard to pass the exam.
彼女の性格はとても穏やかです。
Kanojo no seikaku wa totemo odayaka desu.
Her personality is very gentle.
このレストランは本格的なフランス料理が楽しめます。
Kono resutoran wa honkakuteki na Furansu ryōri ga tanoshimemasu.
You can enjoy authentic French cuisine at this restaurant.
会社の製品は新しい安全規格に準拠しています。
Kaisha no seihin wa atarashii anzen kikaku ni junkyo shiteimasu.
The company's products comply with new safety standards.
彼の発言には品格がなく、残念に思いました。
Kare no hatsugen ni wa hinkaku ga naku, zannen ni omoimashita.
His remarks lacked dignity, which I found regrettable.
古い日本家屋の格子戸が美しいです。
Furui nihon kaoku no kōshido ga utsukushii desu.
The latticed doors of old Japanese houses are beautiful.
彼は人格者として皆から尊敬されています。
Kare wa jinkakusha to shite mina kara sonkei sareteimasu.
He is respected by everyone as a person of great character.
日本語の文法では格助詞が重要な役割を果たします。
Nihongo no bunpō de wa kakujoshi ga jūyō na yakuwari wo hatashimasu.
Case particles play an important role in Japanese grammar.
Memory Tip
To remember 格, focus on its components: 木 (tree/wood) and 各 (each/every). Imagine a craftsman selecting 'each' (各) 'tree' (木) and cutting it to a specific 'grade,' 'pattern,' or 'standard' to determine its 'status' or 'quality' for use.
For example, some pieces of wood might be of a higher 'rank' or 'grade' (格) suitable for fine furniture, while others are destined for common construction. This vivid image of applying a standard or defining a quality for each piece of wood effectively helps solidify the kanji's meanings of 'status,' 'rank,' 'standard,' and 'character.'