Meaning
The kanji 仕 (shi, tsuka.eru) is a crucial character at the JLPT N4 level, encompassing core meanings related to serving, doing, attending, or holding a specific job or official position. It fundamentally signifies performing a task, duty, or service, often with a sense of dedication towards another person, an organization, or a particular goal. Understanding this kanji is key to grasping many Japanese verbs and nouns associated with labor, service, preparation, and how actions are carried out.
Its etymology provides clear insight into its modern meanings. 仕 is a compound ideograph, formed by two distinct components: the radical 人 (nin/jin) on the left, which represents 'person' or 'human being', and 士 on the right, meaning 'scholar', 'gentleman', 'samurai', or 'official'. This visual combination reveals much about the kanji's scope. The 人 radical immediately places the kanji in the context of human activity and roles. The 士 component, while sometimes a phonetic element in other kanji, holds deep semantic significance here. Historically, 士 referred to an individual of notable standing, skill, or a specific social function, often involving governmental, scholarly, or martial service.
Combining a 'person' (人) with a 'scholar/official' (士) naturally forms a character that conveys the idea of a person performing a duty, serving, or working in a structured and purposeful manner. This connection vividly illustrates how individuals apply their skills or dedicate their time to a task or for an employer, forming the essence of 'service' or 'work'.
The kanji 仕 has 5 strokes and is a Jōyō Kanji, meaning it's officially designated for common use in modern Japanese. Although it isn't assigned a specific elementary school grade, it's typically introduced and expected to be mastered during secondary school education in Japan, reflecting its frequent appearance and usefulness in everyday language and various professional fields.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi are readings adopted from Chinese pronunciation. They are primarily used when the kanji forms part of a compound word (熟語). For 仕, the most common On'yomi is シ.
シ (shi): This is the primary On'yomi for 仕 and appears in many compound words related to work, actions, methods, and arrangements. It often suggests carrying out a task or the specific way something is accomplished.
仕事 (shigoto) — work, job, occupation. This is one of the most basic words using 仕, referring to one's profession or a specific task.
仕度 (shitaku) — preparation, arrangements. This compound emphasizes the 'doing' or 'arranging' of things in advance, such as getting ready for a trip or an event.
仕組 (shikumi) — structure, mechanism, system. Here, 仕 refers to how something is 'put together' or 'devised' to function, like the mechanism of a clock or a social system.
仕入 (shiire) — stocking, laying in (goods). This term describes the act of procuring goods for commercial purposes, like a shop stocking new inventory.
ジ (ji): This On'yomi for 仕 is much less common, especially at the N4 level. It tends to appear in older or more specialized terms, sometimes carrying a nuance of formal or historical service. For N4 learners, focusing on 'シ' is most important, but knowing 'ジ' can be helpful if you encounter older texts.
仕丁 (jichou) — a servant or laborer, typically from ancient Japan. This historical term illustrates the 'service' aspect of the kanji, though it uses the less frequent reading.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings. They are typically used when the kanji stands alone as a verb, adjective, or noun, often with okurigana (送り仮名) – trailing hiragana characters that complete the word.
つか.える (tsukaeru): This is the main Kun'yomi for 仕 and forms the verb 仕える, which means 'to serve', 'to be employed by', 'to attend to (a superior)', or 'to wait on'. This verb directly expresses the act of dedicating oneself to a duty, a person, or an organization, often implying loyalty, subordination, or diligent service.
仕える (tsukaeru) — to serve, to be employed, to attend. This verb is a core representation of the kanji's meaning.
会社に仕える (kaisha ni tsukaeru) — to work for a company, to be employed by a company. This demonstrates how the verb applies in a modern professional context.
主人に仕える (shujin ni tsukaeru) — to serve one's master. This example captures the more traditional sense of loyal personal service.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 仕 is highly versatile, forming many important compound words used daily in conversations and professional settings. These compounds often relate to work, action, methods, preparation, and social interactions.
Work and Employment Related
- 仕事 (shigoto) — The most common term for 'work' or 'job'. It covers one's profession, a specific task, or an assignment.
- 仕送 (shiokuri) — An allowance or remittance, typically financial support sent to a dependent, like money sent to a student living away from home.
- 出仕 (shusshi) — Formal attendance at an office; going to work. This is a more traditional or formal term for starting one's professional duties.
Actions and Methods
- 仕方 (shikata) — Method, way of doing, means. Frequently used in expressions like 仕方がない (shikata ga nai), meaning 'it can't be helped' or 'there's no other way'.
- 仕草 (shigusa) — Gesture, mannerism, action. This refers to how a person moves or acts, often subtly conveying emotion or intent.
- 仕組 (shikumi) — Structure, mechanism, system. This describes how something is designed or arranged to operate.
- 仕組む (shikumu) — To devise, to arrange, to plan (often implying a setup or even a plot). This is the transitive verb form related to 仕組.
Preparation and Completion
- 仕度 (shitaku) — Preparation, arrangements. This refers to getting ready for an event, a journey, or a task.
- 仕上がる (shiagaru) — To be finished, to be completed. This describes something having reached its final form or conclusion.
- 仕上げる (shiageru) — To finish, to complete. This is the transitive verb form of 仕上がる, meaning to bring something to completion.
- 仕込む (shikomu) — To train, to teach, to stock (e.g., ingredients, liquor). It implies preparing something or someone for a future state or use, like training a new employee or stocking a pantry.
Other Important Terms
- 仕返し (shikaeshi) — Revenge, retaliation. An action taken in response to a previous, often negative or harmful, act.
- 奉仕 (houshi) — Service, volunteer work. While
奉(hou) means 'to offer',仕here means 'to serve', collectively denoting devoted service, often for the public good.
Example Sentences
彼は新しい仕事に大変熱心に取り組んでいる。
Kare wa atarashii shigoto ni taihen nesshin ni torikundeiru.
He is very enthusiastic about his new job.
来週の旅行の仕度はもう終わりましたか？
Raishuu no ryokou no shitaku wa mou owarimashita ka?
Have you already finished preparations for next week's trip?
私は誰かに仕えるよりも自由に働きたい。
Watashi wa dareka ni tsukaeru yori mo jiyuu ni hatarakitai.
I want to work freely rather than serving someone.
どんな困難な状況でも、何か仕方があるはずだ。
Donna konnan na joukyou demo, nanika shikata ga aru hazu da.
Even in difficult situations, there must be some way to deal with it.
新しい家具の製作が無事に仕上がった。
Atarashii kagu no seisaku ga buji ni shiagatta.
The production of the new furniture was successfully completed.
彼の仕草から彼の緊張が伝わってきた。
Kare no shigusa kara kare no kinchou ga tsutawatte kita.
His tension was conveyed through his gestures.
毎朝新鮮な食材を仕入れています。
Maiasa shinsen na shokuzai o shiireteimasu.
We stock fresh ingredients every morning.
裏切りに対する仕返しを考えるのはやめなさい。
Uragiri ni taisuru shikaeshi o kangaeru no wa yamenasai.
Stop thinking about revenge for the betrayal.
日本の文化では、家族に仕えることは大切な価値観でした。
Nihon no bunka de wa, kazoku ni tsukaeru koto wa taisetsu na kachikan deshita.
In Japanese culture, serving one's family was an important value.
彼は社会に奉仕するため、週末もボランティア活動に参加しています。
Kare wa shakai ni houshi suru tame, shuumatsu mo borantia katsudou ni sanka shiteimasu.
He participates in volunteer activities even on weekends to serve society.
Related Kanji
- 弟 — Younger Brother, Junior (Kanji N4)
- 以 — By Means Of, With, From (Kanji N4)
- 黒 — Black, Dark (Kanji N4)
- 洗 — Wash (Kanji N4)
- 短 — Short, brief, defect (Kanji N4)
- 田 — Rice Field (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 仕, visualize its components: the 'person' (人 radical on the left) and the 'scholar' or 'official' (士 component on the right). A helpful mnemonic is to imagine a person who serves or works in an official or skilled capacity. Think of a diligent 'person' (人) of high 'standing' or 'skill' (士), actively 'doing' their job, 'serving' their community, or fulfilling their duties. The 人 sets the stage for any human action, while 士 describes the nature of that action as skilled, formal, or dedicated service. This mental image directly connects the visual makeup of 仕 to its core meanings of serving, working, and performing various duties, making it easier to recall.