Meaning
The kanji 機 is incredibly versatile, encompassing core meanings like mechanism, opportunity, and machine. As an essential N3 kanji, it frequently appears in everyday Japanese words, covering everything from technology to abstract concepts.
The kanji 機 historically combines two components: 幾 (いく) on the left and 木 (き) on the right. The left component, 幾 (いく), originally depicted a silk thread passing through something. This suggested intricacy, subtlety, or delicate workmanship. It also carried connotations of 'smallness' or a 'critical point.' The radical 木 (き), meaning 'tree' or 'wood,' signifies that the object was traditionally crafted from wood. Together, these components reveal that 機 initially referred to an 'intricate wooden device,' most notably a loom for weaving. The delicate and precise movements required for weaving on a loom perfectly illustrate the 'intricate mechanism' aspect. This foundational meaning then expanded to encompass any kind of machine or apparatus.
Over time, its meaning also evolved to include opportunity or chance. This evolution likely arose from the concept of a 'critical moment' or 'timing' – a subtle, intricate point in time. It mirrors the precise mechanics of a machine or the optimal moment to operate a loom. Moreover, its association with complex machinery led to its inclusion in words like 飛行機, meaning 'airplane,' which is a quintessential example of an advanced machine. This kanji has 16 strokes and is introduced in the 4th grade of Japanese elementary schools.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi for 機 is キ (KI). This is by far the most common reading, appearing in the vast majority of compound words that use this kanji. It conveys meanings related to machines, opportunities, functions, and critical moments. When you encounter 機 as part of a larger word, it's highly probable you'll read it as キ.
- 飛行機 (hikōki) — airplane
これは新しい型の飛行機です。
- 機会 (kikai) — opportunity, chance
彼女は良い機会を逃しませんでした。
- 機械 (kikai) — machine, mechanism
この機械は複雑な操作が必要です。
- 機能 (kinō) — function, faculty
そのソフトウェアには新しい機能が追加されました。
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary kun'yomi for 機 is はた (hata). This reading specifically refers to a loom, emphasizing the kanji's original meaning as an intricate wooden device for weaving. While less common in modern Japanese than its on'yomi, it's crucial for understanding the kanji's historical context and its connection to the craft of weaving. You might see it in terms related to traditional Japanese textiles or crafts.
- 機織り (hataori) — weaving
彼女は機織りで美しい布を作ります。
- 織り機 (orihata) — weaving loom
祖母は古い織り機を大切にしています。
- 機屋さん (hatayasan) — loom shop, weaver (person/shop)
町に一軒だけ機屋さんがあります。
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 機 appears in many essential compound words across various contexts. Here are some key examples, grouped by their general meaning:
Machines & Technology
- 機械 (kikai) — machine, mechanism, apparatus
この工場には最新の機械がたくさんあります。
- 飛行機 (hikōki) — airplane, aircraft
来月、飛行機で北海道へ行きます。
- 洗濯機 (sentakuki) — washing machine
新しい洗濯機を買いました。
- 自動販売機 (jidōhanbaiki) — vending machine
駅の前に自動販売機があります。
- 電話機 (denwaki) — telephone set
古い電話機を交換しました。
Opportunities & Chances
- 機会 (kikai) — opportunity, chance
大切な機会を無駄にしないでください。
- 好機 (kōki) — good opportunity, favorable chance
これが成功するための好機です。
- 危機 (kiki) — crisis, danger (lit. dangerous opportunity)
地球は環境危機に直面しています。
Functions & Mechanisms
- 機能 (kinō) — function, faculty, capability
このカメラは多くの機能を持っています。
- 機関 (kikan) — engine, institution, organization
政府の研究機関で働いています。
- 動機 (dōki) — motive, incentive
彼の犯罪の動機は不明です。
- 機敏 (kibin) — quick-witted, agile, prompt
彼女は非常に機敏な対応をしました。
Example Sentences
日本へはいつも飛行機で行きます。
Nihon e wa itsumo hikōki de ikimasu.
I always go to Japan by airplane.
今回の出張は、新しい顧客を獲得する良い機会です。
Konkai no shutchō wa, atarashii kokyaku o kakutoku suru yoi kikai desu.
This business trip is a good opportunity to acquire new clients.
この洗濯機は最新モデルで、たくさんの機能があります。
Kono sentakuki wa saishin moderu de, takusan no kinō ga arimasu.
This washing machine is the latest model and has many functions.
電車の中に携帯電話を忘れてしまい、とても不便でした。
Densha no naka ni keitaidenwa o wasurete shimai, totemo fuben deshita.
I left my mobile phone on the train, which was very inconvenient.
彼女は機織りの技術を習得するため、毎日練習しています。
Kanojo wa hataori no gijutsu o shūtoku suru tame, mainichi renshū shiteimasu.
She practices every day to learn weaving.
企業にとって、環境問題への対応は重要な経営課題です。
Kigyō ni totte, kankyō mondai e no taiō wa jūyō na keiei kadai desu.
For companies, responding to environmental issues is an important management challenge.
政府の機関が新しい法案を提出しました。
Seifu no kikan ga atarashii hōan o teishutsu shimashita.
A government institution submitted a new bill.
彼は非常に機敏で、どんな状況にもすぐ対応できます。
Kare wa hijō ni kibin de, donna jōkyō ni mo sugu taiō dekimasu.
He is very agile and can respond quickly to any situation.
人生には思いがけない好機が訪れることがあります。
Jinsei ni wa omoigakenai kōki ga otozureru koto ga arimasu.
Unexpected good opportunities can arise in life.
Memory Tip
To help remember the kanji 機, focus on its two main components. On the right is 木 (き), meaning 'tree' or 'wood.' This immediately suggests objects made from wood. On the left is 幾 (いく), which implies intricacy, subtlety, or a small, critical detail. Imagine an intricate mechanism (幾) crafted from wood (木). This wooden machine could be an old loom for weaving, demanding delicate and precise movements. From this, you can extend the meaning to encompass any machine, such as an airplane – a complex wooden/metal machine. Furthermore, the 'critical detail' aspect of 幾 can serve as a reminder of a crucial opportunity or specific timing, another key meaning of 機.