Meaning
The kanji 六 (roku) represents the number six. It's one of the first numbers Japanese learners encounter, essential for basic counting and numerical expressions. Its simple form directly conveys its primary purpose: quantity.
Historically, 六 likely began as a pictograph, though its precise ancient form remains a topic of debate. Early bone and bronze inscriptions often depicted it as a simple arrangement of six lines, sometimes in three pairs. Other interpretations show it resembling a small hut or gate with a crossbar, symbolizing division or completion. Over time, these representations evolved into the current standardized form. While its modern visual structure, with a top element similar to '亠' and a bottom element resembling '八', no longer clearly illustrates six objects pictographically, its simplicity makes it easy to recognize and recall.
Its meaning of 'six' is subtly reflected in its concise, balanced strokes. The character is symmetrical, a quality often linked to balance or completeness in various cultures. Composed of only 4 strokes, 六 is one of the simpler kanji to write. Japanese elementary school children learn it in Grade 1, underscoring its foundational role in the language.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi readings of 六 are ロク (roku) and リク (riku). These readings usually appear when 六 is part of a compound word (熟語, 熟語) with other kanji, particularly in numerical expressions or words of Chinese origin.
ロク (roku): This is the most common On'yomi reading for 六. You'll hear it often in daily Japanese for counting and time expressions.
六月 (rokugatsu) — June
六個 (rokko) — six pieces/items
六十 (rokujū) — sixty
リク (riku): This reading is much rarer in modern Japanese. It primarily appears in a few older or specialized compound words, often with historical or classical Chinese origins, and is not used for general counting.
六朝 (rikuchō) — Six Dynasties (a historical period in China)
六体 (rikutai) — six styles of calligraphy
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi readings for 六 are む (mu), む.つ (mu.tsu), むっ.つ (muttsu), and むい (mui). These native Japanese pronunciations are often used when 六 appears by itself or is followed by hiragana (送り仮名, 送り名) to create a native Japanese word.
む (mu), む.つ (mu.tsu), むっ.つ (muttsu): These forms are generally used for counting six items or objects. 六つ is a common way to say "six" when counting general items without a specific counter, like apples or eggs.
六つ (muttsu) — six (general counter, for items like apples, eggs, etc.)
むい (mui): This reading is specifically used for the sixth day of the month or a period of six days.
六日 (muika) — sixth day of the month; six days
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 六 appears in many essential Japanese words and compounds:
- General Counting and Age:
- 六歳 (rokusai) — six years old
- 六個 (rokko) — six pieces/items (e.g., six apples)
- 六人 (rokunin) — six people
- 六本 (roppon) — six long cylindrical objects (e.g., six pencils, six bottles)
- 六匹 (roppiki) — six small animals (e.g., six cats)
- Time and Dates:
- 六時 (rokuji) — six o'clock
- 六月 (rokugatsu) — June
- 六週間 (roku shūkan) — six weeks
- Shapes and Sizes:
- 六角形 (rokkakkei) — hexagon
- 六畳 (rokujō) — six tatami mats (a common room size, approximately 9.9 square meters)
- Abstract Concepts:
- 六感 (rokkan) — sixth sense
- 六法 (roppō) — the six codes (of Japanese law)
Example Sentences
私は六歳です。
Watashi wa rokusai desu.
I am six years old.
時計は今、六時です。
Tokei wa ima, rokuji desu.
It is six o'clock now.
六月は雨が多いです。
Rokugatsu wa ame ga ooi desu.
It rains a lot in June.
私の家族は六人います。
Watashi no kazoku wa rokunin imasu.
There are six people in my family.
机の上に鉛筆が六本あります。
Tsukue no ue ni enpitsu ga roppon arimasu.
There are six pencils on the desk.
今日は六日なので、早く帰ります。
Kyō wa muika nanode, hayaku kaerimasu.
Since today is the sixth, I will go home early.
私は猫を六匹飼っています。
Watashi wa neko o roppiki katte imasu.
I own six cats.
彼は六つの言語を話すことができます。
Kare wa roku tsu no gengo o hanasu koto ga dekimasu.
He can speak six languages.
六角形のテーブルを探しています。
Rokkaku-kei no tēburu o sagashite imasu.
I am looking for a hexagonal table.
会議は六階で行われます。
Kaigi wa rokkai de okonawaremasu.
The meeting will be held on the sixth floor.
Related Kanji
- 二 — Two (Kanji N5)
- 一 — One (Kanji N5)
- 気 — Spirit, Energy, Air (Kanji N5)
- 買 — Buy, Purchase (Kanji N5)
- 三 — Three (Kanji N5)
- 十 — Ten (Kanji N5)
Memory Tip
To remember 六, picture a simple structure that brings the number six to mind. The top horizontal stroke, along with the element '亠' (nabebuta – often seen as a lid or roof), covers the bottom element '八' (hachi). While '八' typically means eight, here it simply contributes to the shape. You can visualize 'six' distinct objects or lines 'under a roof'. Alternatively, consider the bottom '八' as two distinct strokes. When combined with the top two strokes, you can mentally count six individual elements that form the character. This visual breakdown helps you link the character to its numerical value through memorable parts.