Meaning
The kanji 記 (ki, shiru.su) fundamentally means to preserve information. Its core meanings include "to write down," "to record," "to describe," and "to remember." It emphasizes transforming thoughts, events, or data into a retrievable form. This can be done physically, such as on paper, or mentally, by committing it to memory.
To understand 記, let's look at its origin as a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). This means it combines a semantic component, which provides a clue to its meaning, and a phonetic component, which indicates its sound.
The left radical, 言 (ごんべん), means "speech" or "to say." This semantic component clearly links 記 to communication, words, and information, whether spoken or written. It grounds the kanji in the act of conveying messages.
The right part, 己 (おのれ), means "self" or "private." While its primary role is phonetic, giving 記 its "ki" sound, it also subtly suggests a nuance: perhaps "one's own record" or "personal notes." This hints at the idea of something being put down for oneself, a personal account.
Thus, the visual form of 記 neatly connects to its meaning: it's about using "speech" (言) or words to "record" (己, as phonetic/nuance) and capture information. This kanji is taught in the 6th grade of elementary school in Japan and has 10 strokes.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
- キ (ki)
The primary On'yomi reading, "キ" (ki), is widely used in many common Japanese words related to documenting, chronicling, and remembering. This reading almost always appears when 記 is part of a compound word, forming nouns or parts of verbs that convey the idea of recording or memory.
日記 (nikki) — diary, journal. A daily record of one's experiences.
記事 (kiji) — article, report, news story. A written account in media.
記録 (kiroku) — record, document, minutes. Preserved information of any kind.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
- しる.す (shiru.su)
The Kun'yomi reading, "しる.す" (shiru.su), is a native Japanese verb meaning "to write down," "to record," or "to note." It describes the active process of inscribing or marking information. It is typically used when 記 stands alone as a verb, often accompanied by okurigana (送り仮名) to form the full verb conjugation.
名前を記す (namae wo shirusu) — to write down one's name.
心に記す (kokoro ni shirusu) — to engrave in one's mind, to remember.
手帳に記す (techou ni shirusu) — to write down in a notebook.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 記 is a versatile component in Japanese vocabulary. It forms a wide array of words related to documentation, memory, and accounts. Here are several common words and compound phrases incorporating 記, grouped by theme or usage.
Words related to Documentation & Reporting
記録 (kiroku) — record, document, minutes. This is a fundamental term for any form of preserved information—written, audio, or visual—used to maintain an official or personal account.
記事 (kiji) — article, report, news story. Commonly found in newspapers, magazines, or online media, detailing events or information.
表記 (hyouki) — notation, description, spelling. Refers to how something is written, expressed, or transcribed.
付記 (fuki) — postscript, added note. An additional note or remark appended to a main text or document.
詳記 (shouki) — detailed account, full description. A comprehensive written explanation.
Words related to Memory & Remembering
記憶 (kioku) — memory, recollection. The mental faculty for retaining and recalling past experiences and information.
暗記 (anki) — memorization, learning by heart. The specific act of committing information to memory for later recall, often verbatim.
日記 (nikki) — diary, journal. A personal daily record of experiences, thoughts, and feelings.
記憶力 (kiokuryoku) — memory power, ability to remember. Refers to one's capacity for memory.
Words related to Symbols & Marks
記号 (kigou) — symbol, sign, code. A mark or character used to represent something, often abstractly.
標記 (hyouki) — mark, label, sign. Refers to a descriptive mark or label on an item, often for identification.
Words related to Accounts & Narratives
伝記 (denki) — biography. A written account of another person's life.
手記 (shuki) — notes, memoirs, personal account. A written record often based on personal experience or observation.
実記 (jikki) — true record, authentic account. A genuine or factual historical record.
Example Sentences
毎日、日記を書きます。
Mainichi, nikki wo kakimasu.
I write a diary every day.
テストの前に単語を暗記しました。
Tesuto no mae ni tango wo anki shimashita.
I memorized the vocabulary before the test.
この出来事は歴史に記録されるでしょう。
Kono dekigoto wa rekishi ni kiroku sareru deshou.
This event will probably be recorded in history.
先生が黒板に重要な点を記しました。
Sensei ga kokuban ni juuyou na ten wo shirusu shimashita.
The teacher wrote down the important points on the blackboard.
新聞の記事を読んで、新しい情報を得ました。
Shinbun no kiji wo yonde, atarashii jouhou wo emashita.
I read a newspaper article and gained new information.
彼は記憶力が非常に優れています。
Kare wa kiokuryoku ga hijou ni sugurete imasu.
He has an exceptionally good memory.
会議の内容は議事録として記録されます。
Kaigi no naiyou wa gijiroku to shite kiroku saremasu.
The contents of the meeting will be recorded as minutes.
学生証には氏名と学籍番号が明記されています。
Gakuseishou ni wa shimei to gakusekibangou ga meiki sarete imasu.
Your name and student ID number are clearly written on your student ID card.
この本は、偉大な科学者の伝記です。
Kono hon wa, idai na kagakusha no denki desu.
This book is a biography of a great scientist.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 記 effectively, consider its two distinct components and how they visually represent its meaning. On the left, we have the 言 (ごんべん) radical, which consistently signifies "speech" or "to say" in kanji. This immediately tells you that 記 has something to do with words, communication, or information being conveyed.
On the right is 己 (おのれ), meaning "self" or "private," which also acts as the phonetic component, providing the "ki" sound. Here's a simple story: Imagine someone taking their own "speech" (言) or "thoughts" (represented by 己, their "self") and carefully "writing them down" or "recording" them. This could be in a personal journal or document. Thus, the idea of capturing and preserving one's words or information becomes clear, linking the visual components directly to the core meanings of "to record" or "to write down."