Translation and Meaning of: 乾 - kan
The Japanese word 乾 (かん) carries deep meanings and various uses in the language. If you are looking to understand its meaning, origin, or how it appears in everyday Japanese, this article will explore all of this clearly and directly. Here, you will find everything from the etymology of the kanji to practical usage examples, as well as memorization tips based on reliable sources. Let’s uncover together the secrets of this essential word for students and curious learners of the Japanese language.
Meaning and use of 乾 (かん)
The kanji 乾, read as "kan" in its on'yomi forms, is directly related to the concept of dryness or absence of moisture. It appears in words like 乾燥 (かんそう, kansou), which means "drying," and 乾杯 (かんぱい, kanpai), the famous toast that literally translates to "dry the glass." This connection with the idea of "dry" is central to understanding its use in different contexts.
In Japanese daily life, 乾 is not an isolated term, but rather a key component in various expressions. Its use is more frequent in kanji compounds than alone, which reinforces the importance of learning it alongside other words. Although it is not one of the most basic kanji, its presence in useful vocabulary justifies the effort of memorization.
Origin and writing of the kanji 乾
The etymology of 乾 goes back to ancient Chinese, where it already held meanings related to dry or arid. The kanji is composed of the radical 乙 (おつ, otsu), which historically represented the second celestial stem, combined with other elements that reinforce the idea of absence of liquid. Sources like Kanjipedia and the dictionary 漢字源 confirm this origin, showing how the character evolved into its current form.
In writing, 乾 can be challenging for beginners due to its 11 strokes and balanced structure. A proven tip from calligraphy teachers is to practice it by dividing it into parts: start with the radical on the left, then the upper right component, and finally the bottom part. This method helps to maintain the correct proportions of the character.
Dry in culture and everyday language
Although 乾 is not one of the most common kanjis in modern Japanese, its presence in specific terms gives it a relevant cultural role. The aforementioned 乾杯 (kanpai) is a striking example, used in almost every social gathering involving drinks. This custom reflects Japanese values of celebration and group harmony.
Another interesting use appears in 乾物 (かんぶつ, kanbutsu), a term for dehydrated foods that are part of traditional cuisine. This application shows how the concept of dryness associated with 乾 permeates even practical aspects of daily life in Japan. For students, observing these concrete uses can be the key to naturally solidifying the meaning of the kanji.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 乾燥 (かんそう) - Drying; dehydration
Romaji: kan
Kana: かん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1
Translation / Meaning: sky; emperor
Meaning in English: heaven;emperor
Definition: A state without humidity.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (乾) kan
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (乾) kan:
Example Sentences - (乾) kan
See below some example sentences:
Kansō shita kūki wa hada ni warui eikyō o ataemasu
Dry air can have a negative effect on the skin.
Dry air has a bad effect on the skin.
- 乾燥した - dry
- 空気 - I'm sorry, but there seems to be no text provided for translation. Please share the content you'd like translated from Portuguese to English.
- 肌 - pele
- 悪い - bad
- 影響 - influence
- 与えます - cause
Kansou shita kuuki ga nodo wo kawakaseru
Dry air makes the throat dry.
The thirsty dry air.
- 乾燥した - dry
- 空気 - I'm sorry, but there seems to be no text provided for translation. Please share the content you'd like translated from Portuguese to English.
- が - subject particle
- 喉 - throat
- を - direct object particle
- 渇かせる - make you thirsty
Kandenchi wa denryoku wo kyoukyuu suru tame ni hitsuyou desu
Dry batteries are needed to supply electrical power.
Batteries are needed to supply power.
- 乾電池 - Dry battery
- は - Topic particle
- 電力 - Electricity
- を - Direct object particle
- 供給する - Provide
- ために - For
- 必要です - Is required
Kawaita kuuki ga nodo wo kawakaseru
Dry air makes the throat dry.
The thirsty dry air.
- 乾いた - dry
- 空気 - I'm sorry, but there seems to be no text provided for translation. Please share the content you'd like translated from Portuguese to English.
- が - subject particle
- 喉 - throat
- を - direct object particle
- 渇かせる - make you thirsty
Kanpai shimashou!
Let's toast!
- 乾杯 - "kanpai" means "toast" in Japanese
- しましょう - "shimashou" is a polite way of saying "let's do it"
- ! - exclamation mark used to express enthusiasm or emphasis
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
