This guide will help you understand 右 (みぎ), an essential N5 kanji. More than just a direction, 右 is a fundamental building block for many Japanese words and expressions. We will examine its meaning, origin, various readings, and how it's used in daily phrases. You'll soon be navigating kanji with confidence!
Meaning
The kanji 右 (みぎ) primarily means 'right' or 'right side,' serving as the opposite of left. Beyond simple direction, 右 can also refer to 'right-wing' in politics or, historically, a 'right-hand man' or assistant, signifying importance or support. Despite its simple appearance, it has a rich range of uses.
Examining its etymology, 右 is an excellent example of a 会意文字 (ideogrammic compound). It combines two elements: 口 (くち), which means 'mouth,' and 又 (また), an ancient form representing a 'hand' or 'right hand.' Traditionally, the 'mouth' here doesn't mean a literal mouth. Instead, it was a placeholder for praying or making offerings. So, the kanji originally showed a right hand (又) holding something or making a gesture (口), often a ceremonial or assisting action. Eventually, its meaning narrowed to simply 'right.'
The visual structure of 右 clearly relates to its meaning. The top stroke above the 'mouth' suggests direction, while the 'hand' component grounds it in physical action or orientation. This kanji has 5 strokes and is a Grade 1 kanji, meaning Japanese elementary school students learn it in their first year. Its straightforward design and frequent appearance make it easy to recognize and remember.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi are readings that originate from Chinese pronunciations and are typically used when the kanji appears in compounds with other kanji.
ウ (U)
The reading ウ is the most common On'yomi for 右. You'll often find it in compound words related to directions, political affiliations, or positions. This reading is important for understanding formal terms and expressions.
右折 (usetsu) — right turn
右手 (ute) — right hand (often in contrast to left hand in formal or directional contexts)
右翼 (uyoku) — right-wing (political term)
ユウ (Yuu)
The reading ユウ is less common than ウ. It typically appears in older, historical, or very specific compounds. While not often seen in everyday modern Japanese, knowing it helps with a comprehensive understanding of the kanji.
左右 (sayuu) — left and right (used formally or to mean influence/control)
右文 (yuubun) — right writing (historical term for writing from right to left)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings associated with the kanji, often used when the kanji stands alone or is followed by hiragana (okurigana).
みぎ (migi)
みぎ is the most direct and widely used reading for 右 when it stands alone. It literally means 'right' and is used in many common phrases and simple directions.
右 (migi) — right (direction)
右側 (migigawa) — right side
右足 (migiashi) — right foot
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 右 appears in many common Japanese words. Here are some key compounds, grouped by theme, to help you expand your vocabulary.
Direction and Position
右折 (usetsu) — right turn
右向き (migimuki) — facing right
右隣 (migidonari) — next door on the right
右端 (migihashi) — right end
右手 (migite) — right hand (common usage)
Actions and Movement
右寄り (migiyori) — leaning to the right, right-leaning
右往左往 (uōsaō) — moving distractedly back and forth, bustling about
Social and Political Terms
右翼 (uyoku) — right-wing
右腕 (migiude) — right-hand man, most trusted assistant
Abstract and Other Uses
右目 (migime) — right eye
右記 (uki) — mentioned below (literally 'written on the right' in vertical writing)
Example Sentences
Here are some practical sentences showing 右 in action. Pay attention to how it integrates into natural Japanese expressions.
次の角を右に曲がってください。
Tsugi no kado o migi ni magatte kudasai.
Please turn right at the next corner.
私は箸を右手で持ちます。
Watashi wa hashi o migite de mochimasu.
I hold chopsticks with my right hand.
彼はいつも私の右側に座ります。
Kare wa itsumo watashi no migigawa ni suwarimasu.
He always sits on my right side.
本屋は駅の右にあります。
Hon'ya wa eki no migi ni arimasu.
The bookstore is to the right of the station.
右足を上げて、左足を下げてください。
Migiashi o agete, hidariashi o sagete kudasai.
Please raise your right foot and lower your left foot.
この時計は右に回して時間を合わせます。
Kono tokei wa migi ni mawashite jikan o awasemasu.
Turn this clock to the right to set the time.
彼は会社の右腕として活躍しています。
Kare wa kaisha no migiude toshite katsuyaku shiteimasu.
He is active as the company's right-hand man.
政治の右翼と左翼は意見が異なります。
Seiji no uyoku to sayoku wa iken ga kotonarimasu.
The political right-wing and left-wing have different opinions.
Related Kanji
- 気 — Spirit, Energy, Air (Kanji N5)
- 百 — Hundred (Kanji N5)
- 土 — Earth, Soil, Ground (Kanji N5)
- 人 — Person (Kanji N5)
- 大 — Big, Large (Kanji N5)
- 間 — Interval, Space, Between (Kanji N5)
Memory Tip
To remember 右 (みぎ), meaning 'right,' recall its etymology: a right hand (又) and a mouth (口). Visualize a person using their right hand to point in the "right" direction while speaking (mouth). Or, more simply, imagine the kanji itself: the top stroke as an arm, and the remaining strokes (又 with 口 inside) as a hand pointing right. The small 口 (mouth) within 又 (hand) can be a visual cue for something being done with the right hand, leading you back to its meaning of "right."