What is the Kanji for "Exist"?
If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Exist", you've come to the right place!
The Japanese Kanji for "Exist" is "有".
This kanji has 3 readings:
Its kunyomi reading is "A".
Its onyomi readings are "Yuu" and "U".
kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.
If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:
The radical "𠂇" means "Cliff" . And The kanji "月" means "Moon" and "Month" and can be read as "Tsuki", "Getsu" and "Gatsu".
Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.
What does the kanji "有" mean in japanese?
"有" means "Exist" .
Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Third Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N4 exam.
Here are some words that use this kanji:
有る: "Exist". The Japanese verb '有る (ある)' means 'to exist' or 'to have'. It is primarily used to indicate the existence of inanimate objects or abstract concepts. Unlike 'いる (iru)', which is used for living things, 'ある' is specifically for non-living things. For example: There is a book on the table「テーブルの上に本がある」(てーぶるのうえにほんがある). I have time「時間がある」(じかんがある). It can also be used to express possession in a general sense, such as 'I have a car'「車がある」(くるまがある). Note that 'ある' is often used in negative forms to indicate absence, like 'There is no money'「お金がない」(おかねがない).
有名: "Famous". The Japanese adjectival noun '有名 (ゆうめい)' means 'famous'. It is used to describe someone or something that is widely known or recognized. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: He is a famous actor「彼は有名な俳優です」(かれはゆうめいなはいゆうです). This restaurant is famous for its ramen「このレストランはラーメンで有名です」(このレストランはラーメンでゆうめいです). The word '有名' can be used to describe people, places, things, or events that have gained recognition or popularity.
所有: "Ownership". The Japanese noun '所有 (しょゆう)' refers to the state or right of owning something. It is commonly used in legal, formal, or everyday contexts to describe possession or ownership of property, assets, or items. For example: The ownership of this land is unclear「この土地の所有は不明です」(このとちのしょゆうはふめいです). He transferred the ownership of the car to his son「彼は車の所有権を息子に譲りました」(かれはくるまのしょゆうけんをむすこにゆずりました). Note that '所有' often appears in compound words like '所有権 (しょゆうけん)' (ownership rights) or '所有物 (しょゆうぶつ)' (possessions).
有り難う: "Thanks". The Japanese interjection '有り難う (ありがとう)' is a common way to express gratitude, meaning 'thank you'. It is used in a wide range of situations to show appreciation, from casual to formal settings. The phrase can be modified to increase politeness, such as '有り難うございます (ありがと うございます)', which is more formal. Example sentences: Thank you for the gift「プレゼントを有り難う」(ぷれぜんとをありがとう). Thank you very much「どうも有り難うございます」(どうもありがとうございます). The term originates from the idea of something being rare or precious, hence deserving gratitude.
有効: "Effective". The Japanese adjectival noun '有効 (ゆうこう)' means 'effective'. It is used to describe something that is valid, in effect, or producing the desired result. This term is commonly used in contexts such as legal documents, contracts, or when discussing the efficacy of methods, strategies, or treatments. For example: This coupon is still effective「このクーポンはまだ有効です」(このクーポンはまだゆうこうです). The new policy is effective from today「新しいポリシーは今日から有効です」(あたらしいポリシーはきょうからゆうこうです). It can also be used to describe something that is useful or functional, as in '有効な手段 (ゆうこうなしゅだん) (effective means)'.
有する: "Possess". The Japanese verb '有する (ゆうする)' means 'to possess' or 'to have'. It is a formal or literary term often used in written language or formal speech. This verb is typically used to indicate ownership, possession, or the existence of something abstract, such as rights, qualities, or characteristics. For example: He possesses great talent「彼は才能を有する」(かれはさいのうをゆうする). This country has abundant natural resources「この国は豊かな天然資源を有する」(このくにはゆたかなてんねんしげんをゆうする). Note that '有する' is more formal than the common verb '持つ (もつ)', which also means 'to have' or 'to hold'.
有りのまま: "As it is". The Japanese adjectival noun '有りのまま (ありのまま)' means 'as it is.' This word is used to describe something in its natural or original state, without any alterations or pretenses. It is often used to emphasize honesty, authenticity, or the acceptance of reality. Example: Show your true feelings 「有りのままの気持ちを見せて」 (ありのままのきもちをみせて). He painted the scene from memory, as it was 「彼は記憶にあるがままの景色を描いた」 (かれはきおくにあるがままのけしきをえがいた). This word is often used in contexts where transparency or acceptance is valued, such as in personal reflection, art, or relationships.
共有: "Sharing" or "Joint ownership". The Japanese noun '共有 (きょうゆう)' refers to the act of sharing something or the state of joint ownership. It is commonly used in contexts where resources, information, or responsibilities are shared among multiple people or entities. For example: We share the same goals「私たちは同じ目標を共有しています」(わたしたちはおなじもくひょうをきょうゆうしています). This house is under joint ownership「この家は共有されています」(このいえはきょうゆうされています). The term can also be used in technology, such as 'file sharing' (ファイル共有, ファイルきょうゆう).
有り難い: "Rare" or "Grateful". The Japanese adjective '有り難い (ありがたい)' has two primary meanings. The first and most common meaning is 'grateful' or 'thankful', expressing deep appreciation for something received or experienced. For example: I am grateful for your help「あなたの助けは有り難い」(あなたのたすけはありがたい). The second meaning is 'rare' or 'precious', referring to something that is uncommon or hard to come by. For example: Such kindness is rare「そのような親切は有り難い」(そのようなしんせつはありがたい). The word originates from the idea that something is so rare or precious that it feels like a blessing, hence the dual meanings. It is often used in formal or heartfelt contexts to express gratitude or acknowledge the rarity of a situation.
有力: "Influential". The Japanese adjectival noun '有力 (ゆうりょく)' means 'influential' or 'powerful'. It is used to describe someone or something that has significant influence, power, or authority in a particular context. This term is often used in discussions about politics, business, or social matters. For example: He is an influential politician「彼は有力な政治家だ」(かれはゆうりょくなせいじかだ). This is a powerful theory「これは有力な理論だ」(これはゆうりょくなりろんだ). The word can also imply that something is a strong candidate or a leading possibility, as in '有力な候補 (ゆうりょくなこうほ) (strong candidate)'.
保有: "Possession". The Japanese noun '保有 (ほゆう)' refers to the act of possessing or holding something, often in a formal or legal context. It is commonly used in discussions about ownership, such as property, assets, or rights. For example: The company has possession of the land「その会社はその土地を保有している」(そのかいしゃはそのとちをほゆうしている). He holds a large number of shares「彼は多くの株を保有している」(かれはおおくのかぶをほゆうしている). This term is often used in legal, financial, or business contexts to describe ownership or control over something.
有利: "Advantageous". The Japanese adjectival noun '有利 ( ゆうり)' means 'advantageous' or 'favorable'. It is used to describe situations, conditions, or positions that provide a benefit or advantage. For example: This deal is advantageous for us「この取引は私たちにとって有利だ」(このとりひきはわたしたちにとってゆうりだ). The team is in a favorable position「そのチームは有利な立場にある」(そのチームはゆうりなたちばにある). It is often used in contexts related to business, competition, or strategic decisions.
固有: "Inherent". The Japanese adjectival noun '固有 (こゆう)' means 'inherent' or 'intrinsic'. It refers to something that is innate, natural, or unique to a particular thing or situation. This word is often used to describe characteristics, properties, or qualities that are specific and essential to something. For example: This species has an inherent ability to adapt「この種は固有の適応能力を持っている」(このしゅはこゆうのてきおうのうりょくをもっている). The culture has its own inherent traditions「その文化には固有の伝統がある」(そのぶんかにはこゆうのでんとうがある). It can also be used in contexts like '固有の価値 (こゆうのかち)' (inherent value) or '固有の性質 (こゆうのせいしつ)' (intrinsic nature).
有: "Existence". The Japanese prefix '有 (ゆう)' is used to indicate the existence or possession of something. It is often attached to nouns to form compound words that convey the idea of 'having' or 'being endowed with'. For example: useful「有効な」(ゆうこうな). This prefix is commonly used in formal or technical contexts. Another example: profitable「有益な」(ゆうえきな). It's important to note that '有' can also be used in standalone words, such as '有る (ある)', which means 'to exist' or 'to have'.
有無: "Existence" or "Non existence". The Japanese noun '有無 (うむ)' refers to the concepts of 'existence' and 'nonexistence'. It is often used in formal or philosophical contexts to discuss the presence or absence of something. For example: the existence or nonexistence of evidence「証拠の有無」(しょうこのうむ). It can also be used in everyday contexts to inquire about the availability or lack of something: is there a problem or not?「問題の有無」(もんだいのうむ). The word is a combination of the kanji for '有' (existence) and '無' (nonexistence), making it a binary term that encapsulates both states.
有料: "Fee". The Japanese noun '有料 (ゆうりょう)' means 'fee' or 'charge'. It is used to indicate that something requires payment or is not free. This term is commonly seen in contexts such as parking lots, events, or services that require a fee. For example: Parking is not free, there is a fee「駐車場は無料ではなく、有料です」(ちゅうしゃじょうはむりょうではなく、ゆうりょうです). This museum has an admission fee「この博物館は入場が有料です」(このはくぶつかんはにゅうじょう がゆうりょうです). The word is often paired with '無料 (むりょう)' (free) to contrast paid and free services.
有能: "Capable". The Japanese adjectival noun '有能 (ゆうのう)' means 'capable' or 'competent'. It is used to describe someone who has the ability, skill, or talent to perform tasks effectively. This word is often used in professional or formal contexts to praise someone's abilities. For example: He is a capable employee「彼は有能な社員です」(かれはゆうのうなしゃいんです). She is competent at her job「彼女は仕事に有能です」(かのじょはしごとにゆうのうです). Note that '有能' is often followed by the particle 'な' when modifying a noun, as in '有能な人 (ゆうのうなひと) (capable person)'.
有機: "Organic". The Japanese noun '有機 (ゆうき)' means 'organic'. It is commonly used in contexts related to chemistry, biology, and agriculture to describe substances or processes that are derived from living organisms or involve carbon-based compounds. For example: organic vegetables「有機野菜」(ゆうきやさい). This term is also used in broader contexts, such as 'organic chemistry'「有機化学」(ゆうきかがく). The word emphasizes a natural or biological origin, contrasting with synthetic or inorganic materials.
有益: "Beneficial". The Japanese adjectival noun '有益 (ゆうえき)' means 'beneficial'. It is used to describe something that provides a significant advantage, profit, or positive outcome. This term is often used in contexts related to education, health, and business to indicate that something is useful or advantageous. For example: This book is beneficial for students「この本は学生にとって有益です」(このほんはがくせいにとってゆうえきです). The meeting was beneficial for the company「その会議は会社にとって有益でした」(そのかいぎはかいしゃにとってゆうえきでした). It can also be used to describe actions or information that are helpful or valuable.
有限: "Limited". The Japanese adjectival noun '有限 (ゆうげん)' means 'limited' or 'finite'. It is used to describe something that has boundaries, constraints, or a definite end. This term is often used in contexts such as time, resources, or capabilities. For example: The resources are limited「資源は有限です」(しげんはゆうげんです). Our time on Earth is finite「地球での時間は有限です」(ちきゅうでのじかんはゆうげんです). It can also be used in business contexts, such as '有限会社 (ゆうげんがいしゃ)', which refers to a limited liability company.
有り様: "State" or "Condition". The Japanese noun '有り様 (ありさま)' refers to the current state, condition, or appearance of something. It often carries a nuance of describing how things are or how they appear in a particular situation, sometimes with a critical or evaluative tone. For example: the state of the room was messy「部屋の有り様は散らかっていた」(へやのありさまはちらかっていた). The condition of the company is dire「会社の有り様は深刻だ」(かいしゃのありさまはしんこくだ). This word is commonly used to describe situations, circumstances, or the overall state of affairs, and it can imply a judgment or observation about how things are.
特有: "Unique". The Japanese adjective '特有 (とくゆう)' means 'unique' or 'peculiar to'. It is used to describe something that is characteristic or distinctive to a particular thing, place, or group. This adjective often implies that the characteristic is not found elsewhere or is specific to the subject being described. For example: This plant is unique to Japan「この植物は日本特有です」(このしょくぶつはにほんとくゆうです). The culture has its own unique customs「その文化には特有の習慣がある」(そのぶんかにはとくゆうのしゅうかんがある).
有害: "Harmful". The Japanese adjectival noun '有害 (ゆうがい)' means 'harmful'. It is used to describe something that has a detrimental or damaging effect. This term is often used in contexts related to health, environment, or substances. For example: Smoking is harmful to health「喫煙は健康に有害です」(きつえんはけんこうにゆうがいです). This chemical is harmful to the environment「この化学物質は環境に有害です」(このかがくぶっしつはかんきょうにゆうがいです). The word can also be used in a broader sense to describe anything that is detrimental, such as harmful information「有害な情報」(ゆうがいなじょうほう).
有り: "Existence". The Japanese noun '有り (ある)' refers to the concept of existence or presence. It is often used in formal or written contexts to indicate that something exists or is present. For example: There is a solution「解決策が有り」(かいけつさくがあり). There is a possibility「可能性が有り」(かのうせいがあり). This word is less commonly used in casual conversation, where 'ある' (without the kanji) is more typical. It carries a slightly more formal or literary tone.
有望: "Promising". The Japanese adjectival noun '有望 (ゆうぼう)' means 'promising'. It is used to describe something or someone that has a high potential for success or a bright future. This term is often used in contexts related to career prospects, business opportunities, or talent. For example: He is a promising young actor「彼は有望な若手俳優です」(かれはゆうぼうなわかてはいゆうです). This project seems promising「このプロジェクトは有望です」(このプロジェクトはゆうぼうです). The word can also be used to describe a promising future, as in '有望な未来 (ゆうぼうなみらい) (promising future)'.
有毒: "Poisonous". The Japanese adjectival noun '有毒 (ゆうどく)' means 'poisonous' or 'toxic'. It is used to describe substances, plants, animals, or other entities that contain or produce poison. This term is often used in scientific, medical, or environmental contexts. For example: that mushroom is poisonous「そのキノコは有毒です」(そのきのこはゆうどくです). The chemical is toxic to humans「その化学物質は人間にとって有毒です」(そのかがくぶっしつはにんげんにとってゆうどくです). Note that '有毒' is often used in formal or technical contexts, and it can also imply danger or harm beyond just physical toxicity.
To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.
But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.
Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.
This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:
The hiragana "ゆ" is read as "yu". The hiragana "う" is read as "u". And The hiragana "あ" is read as "a".
