足 — Foot, Leg, Suffice

Meaning

The kanji 足 (ashi) is a fundamental N5 kanji. It primarily means "foot" or "leg," but also conveys the important sense of "to suffice" or "to be enough." This duality reflects its rich history and versatile usage in the Japanese language. Its visual form is quite intuitive, depicting a foot or leg with clear toes and a sole. The top part represents the leg or shin. The bottom horizontal stroke and the box-like structure underneath represent the foot itself, with the small vertical line inside suggesting the toes or the sole. This direct visual representation makes it easy to associate the kanji with "foot" or "leg."

Historically, 足 is a pictograph, derived from an ancient Chinese character that directly illustrated a foot. Over time, the character evolved into its current simplified form, yet it retains a clear connection to its original meaning. The connection to "suffice" or "be enough" stems from the idea of having sufficient means to complete a task. For instance, think of having "enough" resources to stand firmly or achieve completeness. This metaphorical extension is common in many kanji, where a physical object can represent an abstract concept.

The kanji 足 has 7 strokes and is taught in the 1st grade in Japanese elementary schools, making it one of the first and most foundational kanji children encounter. It also serves as its own radical, further emphasizing its foundational nature in the written language. Understanding its basic structure and dual meanings is essential for those new to Japanese.

Readings

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

The primary On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 足 is ソク (soku). This reading appears frequently in compound words, especially those related to counting pairs of footwear or general quantities. It also shows up in terms denoting satisfaction or sufficiency.

一足いっそく (issoku) — one pair of shoes/socks. This compound specifically uses ソク to count pairs of items for feet.
満足まんぞく (manzoku) — satisfaction, contentment. Here, 足 contributes the meaning of "enough" or "fullness."
遠足えんそく (ensoku) — excursion, outing. Literally meaning "distant feet," referring to a trip or hike.

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

The kanji 足 has several key Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) that are used in various contexts, primarily when the kanji stands alone or is part of native Japanese words.

あし (ashi): This is the most common Kun'yomi, directly meaning "foot" or "leg." It refers to the anatomical part of the body, as well as the lower limb in general.
足あし (ashi) — foot, leg. Used broadly for the body part.
足首あしくび (ashikubi) — ankle. The "neck" of the foot.
足音あしおと (ashioto) — sound of footsteps. The sound made by feet walking.

- た.りる (ta.riru) / た.る (ta.ru): These readings mean "to be sufficient," "to be enough," or "to suffice." They are used for verbs indicating that a certain amount or condition has been met.

足りるたりる (tariru) — to be enough, to be sufficient. Often used for money, time, or resources.
足るたる (taru) — to be sufficient. A slightly more formal or classical variant of 足りる.

- た.す (ta.su): This reading means "to add" or "to make up for a deficit," implying making something sufficient or whole.

足すたす (tasu) — to add, to make up for a deficit. Commonly used in mathematics or to supplement something.
足し算たしざん (tashizan) — addition (mathematics). The action of adding numbers.

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 足 appears in many common words and compounds, reflecting its core meanings related to body parts, movement, and concepts of sufficiency. Understanding these compounds will significantly expand your vocabulary.

Body Parts and Movement

足あし (ashi) — foot, leg. This is the most basic and common usage, referring to the entire lower limb.
足元あしもと (ashimoto) — at one's feet, one's steps, ground around one's feet. Often used to refer to immediate surroundings or footing.
足跡あしあと (ashiato) — footprint. The mark left by a foot, often used literally or metaphorically, such as "leaving one's mark."
足袋たび (tabi) — traditional Japanese socks with a split toe. A cultural item directly related to the foot.
両足りょうあし (ryōashi) — both feet/legs. Used when referring to both limbs simultaneously, for example, "standing on both feet."
素足すあし (suashi) — bare feet. Literally "naked feet," meaning without shoes or socks.

Sufficiency and Quantity

不足ふそく (fusoku) — insufficiency, shortage, lack. This is the opposite of 足りる, indicating a lack of sufficiency.
足し算たしざん (tashizan) — addition (mathematics). The act of adding numbers to make a total.
補足ほそく (hosoku) — supplement, complement. To add something to make it complete or sufficient, often information.
足並みあしなみ (ashinami) — pace, alignment of steps. Refers to the rhythm or coordination of walking or progress.
満足まんぞく (manzoku) — satisfaction, contentment. Feeling full or having enough of something, leading to a state of being pleased.

Actions and States

遠足えんそく (ensoku) — excursion, outing. A trip made on foot, often by children.
足踏みあしぶみ (ashibumi) — marking time, treading water, stalling. Literally "foot-stepping," it can mean to pause progress.
足枷あしかせ (ashikase) — shackles, impediment, fetters. A device or situation that restrains movement or progress.

Example Sentences

私わたしの足あしは長ながいです。

Watashi no ashi wa nagai desu.

My legs are long.

猫ねこの足音あしおとはとても静しずかです。

Neko no ashioto wa totemo shizuka desu.

The cat's footsteps are very quiet.

今日きょうは歩あるきすぎて、足あしが痛いたいです。

Kyō wa arukisugite, ashi ga itai desu.

My legs hurt today from walking too much.

この部屋へやには椅子いすが足たりません。

Kono heya ni wa isu ga tarimasen.

There aren't enough chairs in this room.

彼かれは満足まんぞくそうな顔かおをしていました。

Kare wa manzokusō na kao o shite imashita.

He had a satisfied look on his face.

お金かねが足たりないと、買かうことができません。

Okane ga tarinai to, kau koto ga dekimasen.

If there isn't enough money, I can't buy it.

旅行りょこうのために、あと少すこしお金かねを足たす必要ひつようがあります。

Ryokō no tame ni, ato sukoshi okane o tasu hitsuyō ga arimasu.

I need to add a little more money for the trip.

子供こどもたちは公園こうえんへ遠足えんそくに行いきました。

Kodomotachi wa kōen e ensoku ni ikimashita.

The children went on an excursion to the park.

駅えきまでは足あしで15分ふんくらいかかります。

Eki made wa ashi de jūgofun kurai kakarimasu.

It takes about 15 minutes on foot to the station.

Related Kanji

Memory Tip

To remember 足, think of its ancient pictographic origin. Visualize a simplified drawing of a human foot. The top part represents the leg leading down, and the bottom horizontal line and box-like structure represent the foot itself, with a small line inside suggesting the toes or the sole of the foot. When you write it, visualize yourself drawing a leg and then attaching a sturdy foot at the bottom. For the "suffice" or "enough" meaning, imagine a journey completed by having sufficient steps to reach your destination. Alternatively, consider something "sufficient" when it can stand firmly on its own, implying stability and completeness.