Meaning
The kanji 議 (gi) represents deliberation, debate, discussion, and consultation. You'll frequently encounter it in contexts involving formal meetings, councils, and parliamentary bodies, where important issues are discussed and decisions are made. Essentially, 議 signifies coming together through spoken exchange to reach a consensus or resolution.
The kanji's visual structure itself offers a clear understanding of its meaning. 議 is a semantic-phonetic compound, which means it combines one part that suggests its meaning and another that indicates its pronunciation. On the left, you'll find the radical 言 (gen/gon-ben), meaning 'speech' or 'words.' This clearly shows that the kanji's meaning revolves around communication and spoken interaction. The right-hand component is 義 (gi), which on its own means 'righteousness,' 'justice,' 'meaning,' or 'duty.' While 義 provides the on'yomi reading 'gi,' it also adds to the semantic nuance. Put together, 言 and 義 suggest 'speaking about what is right or just,' 'discussing important matters,' or 'consulting on proper conduct.' This perfectly captures the essence of deliberation: people gathering to talk about what is fair, correct, or beneficial.
With 20 strokes, 議 is one of the more complex kanji you'll encounter at the N3 level. Taught in Grade 5 of elementary school, it plays a key role in formal Japanese vocabulary.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main On'yomi reading for 議 is ギ (gi). This reading is very common and appears in nearly all compound words containing this kanji. It conveys the central idea of deliberation, discussion, or a council.
- 会議 (kaigi) — This is one of the most common words, meaning 'meeting' or 'conference.' It refers to a gathering for discussion.
- 議論 (giron) — This compound translates to 'argument,' 'discussion,' or 'debate.' It implies a more in-depth and sometimes heated exchange of opinions.
- 国会議員 (kokkaigiin) — Meaning 'member of parliament' or 'Diet member.' It combines 'nation' (国), 'meeting/assembly' (会), and 'member' (員) to refer to a representative who participates in national deliberation.
- 議会 (gikai) — Meaning 'assembly' or 'parliament.' This refers to the legislative body itself where deliberations take place.
- 協議 (kyōgi) — This word means 'consultation,' 'discussion,' or 'negotiation.' It implies a mutual discussion to reach an agreement or understanding.
- 審議 (shingi) — Translates to 'deliberation' or 'review.' It specifically refers to the careful examination and discussion of a proposal or bill, often in a legislative context.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 議 does not have any commonly used native Japanese (Kun'yomi) readings on its own. Instead, it almost exclusively appears in On'yomi compounds, contributing to words associated with discussion, debate, and official meetings or bodies.
Common Words & Compounds
You'll find 議 in many important vocabulary words, especially in political, business, and formal discussion settings. Below are some key compounds, grouped by theme:
Political & Governmental Terms
- 議会 (gikai) — Assembly; parliament; diet. The legislative body.
- 議員 (giin) — Member of an assembly or parliament.
- 国会議員 (kokkaigiin) — Member of the National Diet (Japan's parliament).
- 代議士 (daigishi) — Member of the Diet (often used for members of the House of Representatives).
- 議長 (gichō) — Chairman; speaker (of an assembly).
- 決議 (ketsugi) — Resolution; decision (made by a meeting or assembly).
Discussion & Meeting Related Terms
- 会議 (kaigi) — Meeting; conference. A general term for any gathering for discussion.
- 議論 (giron) — Argument; discussion; debate. The act of exchanging opinions.
- 協議 (kyōgi) — Consultation; discussion; negotiation. Mutual discussion to reach a decision.
- 審議 (shingi) — Deliberation; review. Careful consideration of proposals or bills.
- 討議 (tōgi) — Discussion; debate. Often implies a thorough and sometimes heated discussion.
- 議題 (gidai) — Topic for discussion; agenda. The subject matter of a meeting.
- 評議会 (hyōgikai) — Council; board. A body established for consultation and decision-making.
Other Related Terms
- 提議 (teigi) — Proposal; motion. The act of bringing a topic up for discussion.
Example Sentences
今日は重要な会議があります。
Kyō wa jūyō na kaigi ga arimasu.
Today we have an important meeting.
みんなで熱心に議論しました。
Minna de nesshin ni giron shimashita.
Everyone discussed enthusiastically.
彼は国会議員です。
Kare wa kokkaigiin desu.
He is a member of the National Diet.
その件について協議が必要です。
Sono ken ni tsuite kyōgi ga hitsuyō desu.
Consultation is needed regarding that matter.
議会で新しい法律が審議されています。
Gikai de atarashii hōritsu ga shingi sarete imasu.
A new law is being deliberated in parliament.
次の議題は予算についてです。
Tsugi no gidai wa yosan ni tsuite desu.
The next topic for discussion is the budget.
会議の議長が発言しました。
Kaigi no gichō ga hatsugen shimashita.
The chairman of the meeting spoke.
皆の意見を尊重し、慎重に議論を進めました。
Mina no iken o sonchō shi, shinchō ni giron o susumemashita.
Respecting everyone's opinions, we proceeded with the discussion carefully.
国際会議では、環境問題が主要な議題として取り上げられました。
Kokusai kaigi de wa, kankyō mondai ga shuyō na gidai to shite toriageraremashita.
At the international conference, environmental issues were taken up as major topics for discussion.
重要な決議が議会で満場一致で採択された。
Jūyō na ketsugi ga gikai de manjōitchi de saitaku sareta.
An important resolution was unanimously adopted by the parliament.
Memory Tip
To remember 議, break it down into its two parts. On the left, you'll see 言 (gon-ben), the radical for 'speech' or 'words.' This instantly tells you that the kanji has to do with talking. On the right is 義 (gi), which means 'righteousness' or 'justice.' So, picture people gathered, using their 'words' (言) to discuss and decide what is 'right' or 'just' (義). This very act of speaking about what is right perfectly illustrates 'deliberation' or 'debate.' Imagine a council where members use their words to uphold justice or determine the proper course of action.