子 — Child, Son, Seed

Meaning

The kanji 子, pronounced 'ko' in its most common Japanese reading, is a fundamental character. It primarily denotes 'child,' 'son,' or 'offspring.' Its meaning also extends to 'seed,' 'fruit,' or even a small thing, reflecting the idea of something new or derived. This versatile kanji is crucial for understanding many aspects of family, nature, and even time in Japanese culture.

In ancient Chinese philosophy, from which much of the kanji system originated, 子 also represented the first of the twelve Earthly Branches. It was associated with the zodiac sign of the Rat and the hours between 11 PM and 1 AM, signifying the start of a new cycle.

The origin of 子 is a beautiful example of a pictograph. It clearly depicts a baby or infant with a large head, a small body, and outstretched arms. This visual representation immediately conveys the essence of 'child' or 'new life.' The character's simple, powerful form conveys the vulnerability and potential of a young one. Its three strokes are drawn in a specific order that traces the head, body, and then the arms, making it one of the easiest kanji to write and remember.

It is also the radical (子), meaning it often forms a component of other, more complex kanji related to children or nurture. This kanji is part of the 1st grade level, meaning it is taught very early in Japanese elementary school. It is also classified as an N5 kanji in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, highlighting its fundamental importance.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

On'yomi readings are derived from Chinese pronunciations. They are typically used when 子 is part of a compound word, often with other kanji.

シ (shi): This is the most common on'yomi reading. It often appears in words related to children, scholars, or a master of a certain field. It can also signify a 'person.'

電子でんし (denshi) — electron (literally 'electric child')

調子ちょうし (chōshi) — condition, rhythm

孔子こうし (Kōshi) — Confucius (historical figure, literally 'Master Kong')

因子いんし (inshi) — factor

冊子さっし (sasshi) — booklet, pamphlet

ス (su): This reading is less common. It appears in specific contexts, often related to abstract concepts. For example, in words like 様子ようす (yōsu) — appearance, state, situation.
ツ (tsu): This reading is extremely rare for 子 and is not commonly encountered in everyday Japanese for this kanji.

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations. They are often used when 子 appears alone or with hiragana endings (okurigana). The main kun'yomi for 子 are こ (ko) and ね (ne).

こ (ko): This is the most prevalent kun'yomi. It directly means 'child' or 'small thing,' and is used widely in everyday vocabulary and as a suffix.

子こ (ko) — child

子供こども (kodomo) — child (a common word combining the kun'yomi 'ko' with a partner kanji)

女の子おんなのこ (onnanoko) — girl

息子むすこ (musuko) — son

ね (ne): This reading is specifically used when 子 refers to the first sign of the Chinese zodiac, the Rat, or the hours of the Rat (11 PM - 1 AM).

子年ねどし (nedoshi) — year of the Rat

子ねの刻 (ne no koku) — the hour of the Rat (11 PM - 1 AM)

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 子 forms the basis of many important words in Japanese. Here are some common examples, grouped by theme:

Family & People

子供こども (kodomo) — child
男の子おとこのこ (otokonoko) — boy
女の子おんなのこ (onnanoko) — girl
親子おやこ (oyako) — parent and child
息子むすこ (musuko) — son
娘むすめ (musume) — daughter (Note: This kanji is not 子, but the word is often conceptually paired with 子 in family contexts.)

Nature & Objects

菓子かし (kashi) — sweets, confectionery
卵子らんし (ranshi) — ovum, egg cell
原子げんし (genshi) — atom
分子ぶんし (bunshi) — molecule

Concepts & Abstract

様子ようす (yōsu) — appearance, state, situation
因子いんし (inshi) — factor
利子りし (rishi) — interest (on money)
拍子ひょうし (hyōshi) — rhythm, beat

Example Sentences

子こどもたちが公園こうえんで遊あそんでいます。

Kodomo-tachi ga kōen de asondeimasu.

The children are playing in the park.

この子こは私わたしの息子むすこです。

Kono ko wa watashi no musuko desu.

This child is my son.

椅子いすに座すわってください。

Isu ni suwatte kudasai.

Please sit on the chair.

電子でんしレンジで温あたためます。

Denshi renji de atatamemasu.

I will heat it up in the microwave (electronic oven).

子ねの刻こくは夜中よなかの時間じかんです。

Ne no koku wa yonaka no jikan desu.

The Hour of the Rat is midnight.

彼女かのじょは賢かしこい子こです。

Kanojo wa kashikoi ko desu.

She is a clever child.

私わたしには三さんつの子供こどもがいます。

Watashi ni wa san-tsu no kodomo ga imasu.

I have three children.

様さま々な様子ようすを見みせています。

Samazama na yōsu o miseteimasu.

It is showing various appearances/states.

先生せんせいは子供こどもたちに絵本えほんを読よんであげました。

Sensei wa kodomo-tachi ni ehon o yonde agemashita.

The teacher read a picture book to the children.

子ねどもたちの未来みらいのために、今いまできることをしましょう。

Kodomo-tachi no mirai no tame ni, ima dekiru koto o shimashō.

Let's do what we can now for the future of our children.

Related Kanji

Memory Tip

To remember the kanji 子 (ko), envision its ancient pictographic origin: a baby with a large head, a tiny body, and outstretched arms. Imagine a newborn trying to grasp something or reaching for a hug. The top horizontal stroke can be the head, the vertical stroke the body, and the two lower strokes the outstretched arms or legs. This simple, clear image of an infant beautifully represents the primary meaning of 'child.' Thinking of a small, innocent being helps link the shape directly to its meanings of 'child,' 'son,' or 'offspring.'