Meaning
Let's explore the versatile kanji 写. This character is an essential part of your N4 vocabulary, carrying core meanings related to 'copying,' 'photographing,' 'transcribing,' and 'describing.' Essentially, think of it as the go-to kanji for anything that involves replicating an image, a scene, or information.
Historically, 写 is a simplified form of the older character 寫. The original form 寫 combined 宀 (roof, shelter) at the top with a phonetic component that also suggested 'to write' or 'to copy.' Therefore, the fundamental idea was to record or reproduce something, often within a structured space or under shelter.
Over time, as technologies like photography emerged, the meaning expanded naturally to encompass 'taking pictures.' The modern simplified form 写 retains the 宀 (roof radical) at the top. The bottom part, 丂, serves primarily as a phonetic component, hinting at the original sound and meaning, even though its individual meaning isn't 'writing' in isolation. Visually, you can imagine something being 'copied' or 'captured' under a 'roof' or within a 'frame.'
This kanji has a surprisingly low stroke count of just 5, making it relatively easy to write. It's typically introduced to students in the 3rd grade in Japanese elementary schools, which aligns well with its relevance for the JLPT N4 level. Understanding 写 will help you grasp a wide range of vocabulary related to media, art, and documentation.
Readings
Like many kanji, 写 has both On'yomi (Chinese-derived) and Kun'yomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different contexts.
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 写 is シャ (sha). This reading is highly common and is almost exclusively used when 写 is part of a compound word, especially those related to photography, copying, or description.
- 写真 (shashin) — This is perhaps the most common word you'll encounter. It means 'photograph' or 'picture.' For example, you'll hear it frequently when discussing cameras or social media.
- 複写 (fukusha) — Meaning 'copy' or 'duplicate.' This term is often used in office settings for photocopying documents or making exact replicas.
- 描写 (byōsha) — This compound means 'depiction' or 'description.' It's frequently used in literature or art to discuss how something is portrayed or described in detail.
- 写生 (shasei) — Refers to 'sketching' or 'drawing from nature.' Artists often do 写生 to capture real-world scenes directly onto paper.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi readings of 写 are primarily verb forms that allow the kanji to stand alone or be combined with okurigana (hiragana endings). There are two main Kun'yomi for 写:
うつ.す (utsu.su) — This is a transitive verb meaning 'to copy,' 'to photograph,' 'to transcribe,' or 'to project.' It implies an action performed by someone or something onto another object. For instance, you 'copy' a document, 'photograph' a scene, or 'transcribe' notes.
写す (utsusu) — To copy, to photograph, to transcribe.
例：手紙を写す (tegami o utsusu) — 'to copy a letter.'
書き写す (kakiutsusu) — To transcribe, to copy by hand. This specifies the method of copying.
うつ.る (utsu.ru) — This is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be copied,' 'to be photographed,' 'to be reflected,' or 'to be projected.' It describes a state or an action happening to the subject itself, rather than an action performed on an object.
This reading is often confused with 映る (utsuru), another kanji that means 'to be reflected' or 'to be projected.' While their meanings can overlap, 写る is primarily used when someone or something appears in a photograph or is visibly reflected as a likeness. In contrast, 映る is more broadly used for light reflecting, images being projected (like a movie), or simply being visible.
写る (utsuru) — To be photographed, to be reflected.
例：写真に写る (shashin ni utsuru) — 'to appear in a photo.'
- 鏡に顔が写る (kagami ni kao ga utsuru) — 'My face is reflected in the mirror.'
Common Words & Compounds
Let's expand your vocabulary with some everyday words and compounds that use 写. You'll find this kanji in many different contexts, from daily conversations to more technical discussions.
Photography & Visual Arts
- 写真 (shashin) — photograph, picture. This is undoubtedly the most common word using 写. You'll hear it constantly when talking about cameras, albums, or social media.
- 写生 (shasei) — sketch, drawing from nature. Often used by artists who go outdoors to draw what they see directly.
- 実写 (jissha) — live-action (film or adaptation). Used when a fictional story is brought to life using real actors and settings, as opposed to animation.
Copying & Duplication
- 複写 (fukusha) — copy, duplicate. As mentioned earlier, this is a formal term for making an exact copy of a document or item.
- 書き写す (kakiutsusu) — to transcribe, to copy by hand. This specifically means to copy text or notes manually.
- 写本 (shahon) — manuscript. Refers to a book or document written by hand, especially historical texts before printing was widespread.
- 謄写 (tōsha) — mimeographing, duplication. An older method of copying documents. You might still encounter 謄写版 (tōshaban) for the machine itself in historical contexts.
Description & Depiction
- 描写 (byōsha) — depiction, description, portrayal. Crucial for discussing how characters are portrayed in a novel, or how a scene is described in a film.
- 活写 (kassha) — vivid description. Used to praise a description that is very lively and realistic, making the reader feel like they are there.
Verbs
写す (utsusu) — to copy, to photograph, to transcribe. (Transitive verb)
例：黒板の内容をノートに写す。
(Kokuban no naiyō o nōto ni utsusu.)
I will copy the blackboard content into my notebook.
写る (utsuru) — to be photographed, to be reflected. (Intransitive verb)
例：この写真によく写っているね。
(Kono shashin ni yoku utsutte iru ne.)
You look good in this photo, don't you?
Example Sentences
Let's see 写 in action with some practical sentences. Try to read them aloud and understand the context!
この写真はとてもきれいに写っていますね。
Kono shashin wa totemo kirei ni utsutte imasu ne.
This photograph turned out very beautifully, didn't it?
カメラで富士山の景色を写しました。
Kamera de Fujisan no keshiki o utsushimashita.
I photographed the scenery of Mt. Fuji with my camera.
その事件は新聞に詳細に描写されていました。
Sono jiken wa shinbun ni shōsai ni byōsha sarete imashita.
The incident was described in detail in the newspaper.
鏡に自分の顔がはっきりと写っていました。
Kagami ni jibun no kao ga hakkiri to utsutte imashita.
My face was clearly reflected in the mirror.
授業中に先生が書いたボードの内容をノートに書き写しました。
Jugyōchū ni sensei ga kaita bōdo no naiyō o nōto ni kakiutsushimashita.
During class, I transcribed the content the teacher wrote on the board into my notebook.
図書館で貴重な古い写本を見つけました。
Toshokan de kichō na furui shahon o mitsukemashita.
I found a valuable old manuscript at the library.
証明写真を撮るために、駅前の写真館へ行きました。
Shōmei shashin o toru tame ni, ekimae no shashinkan e ikimashita.
I went to the photo studio in front of the station to take a passport photo.
この小説は登場人物の心理が丁寧に描写されています。
Kono shōsetsu wa tōjōjinbutsu no shinri ga teinei ni byōsha sarete imasu.
This novel carefully describes the psychology of its characters.
彼女は風景を美しく写真に写し出すのが得意です。
Kanojo wa fūkei o utsukushiku shashin ni utsushidasu no ga tokui desu.
She is good at beautifully capturing landscapes in photographs.
Related Kanji
- 洗 — Wash (Kanji N4)
- 走 — Run, Move fast (Kanji N4)
- 思 — To Think, Feel, Imagine (Kanji N4)
- 持 — Hold, Possess, Carry (Kanji N4)
- 終 — End, Finish, Conclude (Kanji N4)
- 建 — Build, Construct, Establish (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
To remember 写, let's break it down visually. At the top, you have 宀 (ukenmuri), which represents a 'roof' or 'house.' Below it, you see the component 丂. While 丂 doesn't have a direct meaning in isolation for this kanji, you can imagine it as a simplified mark or quick stroke, hinting at writing or drawing. So, think of yourself under a roof (宀) making a quick mark or using your skill (丂, mnemonically) to copy or photograph something.
This evokes the idea of 'capturing' an image or information 'under' a controlled environment, much like a darkroom for developing photos, or simply the roof over your head as you transcribe notes. The simple five strokes also make it feel like a quick sketch or a 'snap' of a picture, reinforcing its core meanings.