Greetings, language learners! Today, we're diving into the kanji 輸 (yu, shu).
This N3 kanji is vital for understanding Japanese terms related to movement, trade, and occasionally, competition.
Meaning
The kanji 輸 (yu) primarily means to transport, to convey, or to send. Consider moving goods, people, or even ideas from one place to another. This kanji is fundamental in vocabulary related to logistics, trade, and infrastructure. For instance, you'll see it when Japan 輸入 (imports) goods or 輸出 (exports) its famous products. It represents the flow of things!
Interestingly, 輸 also carries a secondary, less common meaning: to lose or to be inferior. While not as prevalent in everyday modern Japanese as its 'transport' meaning, this sense occasionally appears in more formal or historical contexts, especially when discussing losing a game or competition. However, for most N3 learners, focusing on the 'transport' aspect will be much more practical.
Let's look at its origin. The kanji 輸 is a compound character, combining two distinct parts. On the left, we have the radical 車, which literally means "vehicle" or "car." This radical clearly indicates the kanji's primary meaning of movement and transport. On the right, we have the phonetic component 兪 (yu), which itself can mean "to pass through," "to allow," or "to consent." When these two elements combine, the image becomes clear: a "vehicle" (車) is used to "pass through" or "allow" goods to move, hence "transport" or "convey." Breaking it down reveals a logical and visually descriptive kanji.
This kanji has 17 strokes. While that might seem like a lot, understanding its components makes it easier to remember. It is categorized as a Grade S (Supplementary) Jōyō kanji, meaning it's part of the regularly used kanji list but not specifically assigned to an elementary school grade.
Readings
Like many kanji, 輸 has both On'yomi (Chinese-derived) and Kun'yomi (native Japanese) readings. However, for 輸, the On'yomi readings are overwhelmingly more common and important for daily usage.
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi readings for 輸 are ユ (yu) and シュ (shu).
ユ (yu)
This is the most frequently encountered reading and appears in almost all common compounds related to transport and trade. Mastering this one will be very helpful!
輸入 (yunyū) — import. This refers to bringing goods or services into a country. It's a fundamental term in economics and trade discussions.
輸出 (yushutsu) — export. The opposite of import, meaning to send goods or services to another country for sale.
輸送 (yusō) — transport, conveyance. This general term describes moving goods or people from one place to another, often by vehicle.
シュ (shu)
The シュ reading is less common than ユ, but it appears in some important and specific terms, particularly in medical contexts. It's a good idea to recognize it, especially if you're interested in medical vocabulary.
輸血 (shuketsu) — blood transfusion. A medical procedure where blood is transferred into a patient's circulatory system.
輸卵管 (shurankan) — oviduct, fallopian tube. This is a highly specialized anatomical term.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi listed for 輸 is ゆする (yusuru). However, it's crucial to note that 輸 is extremely rarely used on its own with this reading in modern Japanese. While some dictionaries list ゆする (to sway, to shake) as a kun'yomi, its connection to the kanji's core meaning of 'transport' or 'convey' is indirect. This often stems from archaic or very specific usages related to the vehicle radical. In practical, everyday Japanese, you will almost exclusively encounter 輸 within On'yomi compounds. For JLPT N3 purposes, focus heavily on the On'yomi readings and their associated vocabulary. Understanding that its kun'yomi is practically unused for its primary meaning is more helpful than trying to force an example.
Common Words & Compounds
Let's expand your vocabulary with some essential compounds that use 輸. These are grouped by theme to help you remember them better, and are vital for understanding discussions about economics, logistics, and global affairs.
Trade & Logistics
- 輸入 (yunyū) — import
The act of bringing goods or services into a country. Japan heavily relies on energy 輸入.
- 輸出 (yushutsu) — export
The act of sending goods or services to another country for sale. Japanese cars are famous 輸出 products.
- 輸送 (yusō) — transport, conveyance
The general term for moving things. 荷物の輸送 (nimotsu no yusō) means "transport of luggage."
- 輸送機 (yusōki) — transport plane
An aircraft designed to carry cargo or troops.
- 輸送船 (yusōsen) — transport ship, cargo ship
A vessel used for carrying goods across the sea.
- 再輸入 (sainyū) — re-import
Importing goods that were previously exported from the same country.
- 再輸出 (saishutsu) — re-export
Exporting goods that were previously imported without significant processing.
Methods of Transport
- 空輸 (kūyu) — air transport
Transporting goods or people by air, often for speed.
- 海輸出 (kaiyushutsu) — sea export
Exporting goods by sea, typically for large volumes or heavy items.
- 海輸入 (kaiyunyū) — sea import
Importing goods by sea.
- 電力輸送 (denryoku yusō) — power transmission
The process of moving electrical energy from one place to another.
- 長距離輸送 (chōkyori yusō) — long-distance transport
Moving goods or people over a great distance.
Medical Terms
- 輸血 (shuketsu) — blood transfusion
A life-saving medical procedure.
- 輸液 (yueki) — intravenous drip, infusion
Administering fluids directly into a vein. While often read as ゆえき (yueki), しゅえき (shueki) is also a valid, though less common, reading.
Example Sentences
Let's see 輸 in action with some practical sentences. Try to read them aloud and understand the context!
日本は多くの食料を輸入しています。
Nihon wa ooku no shokuryō o yunyū shiteimasu.
Japan imports a lot of food.
車の部品は海外から輸入されることが多いです。
Kuruma no buhin wa kaigai kara yunyū sareru koto ga ooi desu.
Car parts are often imported from overseas.
日本の自動車は世界中に輸出されています。
Nihon no jidōsha wa sekaijū ni yushutsu sareteimasu.
Japanese automobiles are exported all over the world.
台風の影響で物資の輸送が遅れています。
Taifū no eikyō de busshi no yusō ga okureteimasu.
Due to the typhoon's influence, the transport of supplies is delayed.
新鮮な野菜は飛行機で空輸されます。
Shinsen na yasai wa hikōki de kūyu saremasu.
Fresh vegetables are transported by air.
病院では輸血が必要な患者さんがいます。
Byōin de wa shuketsu ga hitsuyō na kanja-san ga imasu.
There are patients in the hospital who need a blood transfusion.
原油の輸入価格が変動すると経済に大きな影響が出ます。
Gen'yu no yunyū kakaku ga hendō suru to keizai ni ookina eikyō ga demasu.
If crude oil import prices fluctuate, it will have a significant impact on the economy.
大量の食料を安定して輸送するシステムが重要です。
Tairyō no shokuryō o antei shite yusō suru shisutemu ga jūyō desu.
A system to stably transport large amounts of food is important.
日本企業は電気自動車の新技術を海外へ輸出することに力を入れています。
Nihon kigyō wa denki jidōsha no shin gijutsu o kaigai e yushutsu suru koto ni chikara o ireteimasu.
Japanese companies are putting effort into exporting new electric vehicle technology overseas.
発展途上国への医療物資の輸送は国際協力の重要な側面です。
Hattentojōkoku e no iryō busshi no yusō wa kokusai kyōryoku no jūyō na sokumen desu.
The transport of medical supplies to developing countries is an important aspect of international cooperation.
Memory Tip
To remember 輸, focus on its two main components. The left part is 車 (kuruma), meaning "vehicle" or "car." This component provides a direct visual cue for anything involving transportation. The right part, 兪 (yu), is a phonetic component that also suggests "to pass through" or "to allow." So, picture a vehicle (車) that is allowing (兪) goods to pass through and be transported. Imagine a truck or train (車) moving goods across the land, essentially "allowing" them to travel. This connection will help solidify the primary meaning of "transport" in your mind!