Meaning
The kanji 注 bridges the physical world of liquids with the abstract world of mental focus. It is a phono-semantic compound. The left side features the water radical 氵, signifying its roots in the movement of fluid. On the right, you find 主, which originally depicted a lampstand with a burning flame. Here, it suggests a concentrated point of origin. Just as a lamp directs light, this character describes directing a steady stream toward a specific target.
Over time, the physical act of pouring water evolved into a metaphor for directing energy. Today, 注 is essential for expressing caution, attention, and even business orders. It also appears in the context of writing, where it refers to adding notes or annotations to a text. Think of this as "pouring" extra information onto a page to clarify a point. Japanese students learn this 8-stroke character in the 3rd grade, and it remains a cornerstone of N4-level vocabulary.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary reading is チュウ (chū). This reading is incredibly stable and appears in the majority of kanji compounds. You will encounter it most often in daily life when looking at warning signs, ordering at a restaurant, or visiting a clinic.
注意 (chūi) — Caution, attention, or advice. This is the most common word using this kanji; look for it on "Watch your step" signs.
注文 (chūmon) — An order for goods or food. When you place an order, you are figuratively pouring your request toward the shopkeeper.
注目 (chūmoku) — Notice, attention, or observation. Literally, this means "pouring your eyes" onto a specific subject.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The native reading is 注ぐ (sosogu). This verb describes the physical act of pouring liquid into a container. It also has beautiful figurative uses, such as describing rain falling heavily or a person dedicating their heart to a cause.
注ぐ (sosogu) — To pour (liquid), to shed (tears), or to devote (effort/energy).
注ぐ (tsugu) — A specific variant of pouring, usually reserved for serving drinks like sake or tea for a guest.
降り注ぐ (furisosogu) — To rain down incessantly or to have sunlight shine down brightly upon the earth.
Common Words & Compounds
Learning how 注 clusters with other kanji makes it easier to memorize. Most compounds fall into four clear categories.
Focus and Caution:
- 注意 (chūi) — Attention or warning. Essential for daily safety.
- 注目 (chūmoku) — Paying attention or being in the spotlight. Frequently used in news headlines.
- 注視 (chūshi) — Gazing steadily or observing a situation very closely.
Business and Commerce:
- 注文 (chūmon) — To place an order. Used everywhere from Amazon to ramen shops.
- 受注 (juchū) — Accepting an order. This is a formal business term for receiving a contract.
- 発注 (hatchū) — Placing an official order for materials or professional services.
Science and Health:
- 注射 (chūsha) — An injection or medical shot. It literally means "pour and shoot."
- 注入 (chūnyū) — Injection or infusion; the act of pouring one thing into another.
Literary Terms:
- 脚注 (kyakuchū) — A footnote. Literally translated as "notes at the leg/bottom."
- 注釈 (chūshaku) — Annotation or commentary used to explain difficult parts of a text.
Example Sentences
湯のみに緑茶を注いでください。
yunomi ni ryokucha wo sosoide kudasai.
Please pour the green tea into the teacup.
足元に注意して階段を降りてください。
ashimoto ni chuui shite kaidan wo orite kudasai.
Please be careful of your step as you go down the stairs.
スマホで欲しい本を注文しました。
sumaho de hoshii hon wo chuumon shimashita.
I ordered the book I wanted using my smartphone.
彼は今、もっとも注目されている選手です。
kare wa ima, mottomo chuumoku sarete iru senshu desu.
He is currently the most talked-about player (the one getting the most attention).
今日は病院でインフルエンザの注射を受けた。
kyou wa byouin de infuruenza no chuusha wo uketa.
I got a flu shot at the hospital today.
窓から太陽の光が降り注いでいる。
mado kara taiyou no hikari ga furisosoide iru.
Sunlight is streaming in through the window.
先生の説明にしっかり注意を払いましょう。
sensei no setsumei ni shikkari chuui wo haraimashou.
Let's pay close attention to the teacher's explanation.
彼女は子供にたくさんの愛情を注いでいる。
kanojo wa kodomo ni takusan no aijou wo sosoide iru.
She pours a lot of love into her children.
Related Kanji
- 者 — Person, Someone, Practitioner (Kanji N4)
- 弟 — Younger Brother, Junior (Kanji N4)
- 黒 — Black, Dark (Kanji N4)
- 洗 — Wash (Kanji N4)
- 短 — Short, brief, defect (Kanji N4)
- 田 — Rice Field (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
Focus on the components: Water (氵) and Lampstand (主). Imagine a butler carefully pouring water into a glass on a master's table, or a monk pouring oil into a lamp to keep the light burning steadily. Whether you are pouring liquid or pouring your mind into a task, you are directing a flow toward a single point. Think: "The Master pours his focus like water."