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What is the Kanji for 'Be' and 'Exist'? | 在

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Be' and 'Exist', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Be' and 'Exist' is 在.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Be, Exist

    Reading

    kunyomi

    a

    onyomiざい

    zai

    Example Word

    潜在: latent. The Japanese noun '潜在 (せんざい)' refers to something that exists but is not yet visible, active, or realized. It is often used to describe potential, hidden qualities, or underlying conditions. For example: latent talent「潜在的な才能」(せんざいてきなさいのう). There is a latent demand for this product「この商品には潜在的な需要がある」(このしょうひんにはせんざいてきなじゅようがある). The term is commonly used in contexts like psychology, business, and science to describe something that is present but not yet apparent.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    6

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    245

    Handwriting

Words Using

This kanji is used in 12 words:

    word

    現在

    Meaning

    Present, Current

    word

    存在

    Meaning

    Existence

    word

    在学

    Meaning

    Enrollment

    word

    所在

    Meaning

    Location

    word

    実在

    Meaning

    Existence

    word

    在庫

    Meaning

    Stock, Inventory

    word

    潜在

    Meaning

    Latent

    word

    在住

    Meaning

    Residence

    word

    在日

    Meaning

    Japan, Residing

    word

    在宅

    Meaning

    Home

    word

    滞在

    Meaning

    Stay

    word

    不在

    Meaning

    Absence

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 在 mean?

在 means 'Be' and 'Exist'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fifth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N3 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.