What is the Kanji for "Thing"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Thing", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Thing" is "事".

This kanji has 3 readings:

Its kunyomi reading is "Koto".

Its onyomi readings are "Ji" and "Zu".

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 4 parts:

The radical "⺕" means "Hand" . The radical "亅" means "Barb" . The kanji "一" means "One" and can be read as "Ichi", "Itsu", and "Hito". And The kanji "口" means "Mouth" and can be read as "Ku", "Kuchi", and "Kou".

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "事" mean in japanese?

"事" means "Thing".

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:

事: "Matter". The Japanese noun '事 (こと)' means 'matter'. It is used to refer to a particular situation, occurrence, or affair. This word can be used to describe both concrete and abstract topics. For example: This is an important matter - (これは重要な事です). What happened? - (何事がありましたか?)

仕事: "Work". The Japanese noun '仕事 (しごと)' means 'work'. This word refers to one's employment, job or professional duties. It can be used to describe the activities and tasks that are required as part of a person's occupation or career. For example: My work is very busy - (私の仕事は非常に忙しい). She has a new job - (彼女は新しい仕事を持っている).

事件: "Incident". The Japanese noun '事件 (じけん)' means 'incident'. It refers to an event, occurrence, or happening, often one that is significant, unusual, or newsworthy. '事件' can describe a wide range of occurrences, from a minor accident to a major criminal case. For example: The robbery was a high-profile incident - (あの強盗事件はよく知られている). There was an incident at the school today - (今日学校で事件があった).

事業: "Business". The Japanese noun '事業 (じぎょう)' means 'business'. This word refers to a commercial operation, enterprise or company. It can be used to describe a range of commercial activities from a small private company to a large public corporation. For example: My family runs a successful business - (私の家族は成功している事業を営んでいます). The company is expanding its business - (その会社は事業を拡大しています).

事実: "Fact". The Japanese noun '事実 (じじつ)' means 'fact'. It refers to something that is known to be true or real, rather than being imagined or believed. '事実' can be used to describe objective information, data, or circumstances. For example: That is a fact - (それは事実だ). The facts show that... - (事実は...を示している).

食事: "Meal". The verbal noun '食事 (しょくじ)' refers to a meal, the act of eating food. It encompasses all the food and drink consumed during a specific occasion, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. '食事' can describe both the action of eating as well as the food itself that is consumed during that time. For example: Let's have a meal together - (一緒に食事をしましょう). I'm hungry, I need to eat a meal - (お腹が空いたので、食事をしなければなりません).

工事: "Construction". The Japanese verbal noun '工事 (こうじ)' means 'construction'. It refers to the process of building, repairing, or modifying a physical structure or infrastructure. '工事' is commonly used to describe construction projects, construction sites, and the work done by construction workers. For example: The construction of the new building is underway - (新しいビルの工事が進行中です). They are doing road construction - (道路工事をしています).

交通事故: "Traffic accident". The Japanese noun '交通事故 (こうつうじこ)' refers to a traffic accident, which is an unintended collision or impact between vehicles, or between a vehicle and a pedestrian or object, that occurs on a public road. This type of accident can result in injury, property damage, or even fatalities. For example: He was injured in a traffic accident - (彼は交通事故で怪我をした). The traffic accident caused a long delay - (交通事故で長い渋滞が発生した).

事務: "Work". The Japanese noun '事務 (じむ)' means 'work'. It refers to office work or administrative duties. This word is commonly used in the context of a job or occupation, such as office work, clerical work, or administrative tasks. For example: She does office work - (彼女は事務をしています). My work is very busy - (私の事務がとても忙しいです).

返事: "Reply". The verbal noun '返事 (へんじ)' means 'reply'. It refers to a verbal or written response to a question, statement, or request. This term is used when someone provides an answer or gives their opinion in response to something said or requested. For example: I haven't received a reply yet - (まだ返事がきていない). Please give me your reply - (返事をください).

大事: "Important". The Japanese adjectival noun '大事 (だいじ)' means 'important'. It is used to describe things that are of great significance, consequence, or value. This word can be applied to a wide range of contexts, such as important tasks, important information, or important relationships. For example: This is an important matter - (これは大事な問題です). Family is very important - (家族は大事です).

事情: "Situation" or "Circumstances". The Japanese noun '事情 (じじょう)' can refer to the particular details, facts or background of a specific situation or set of circumstances. It conveys the idea of the specific conditions or context that surround a given matter or issue. For example: I understand the situation - (その事情がわかっています). The company explained the circumstances - (会社は事情を説明しました).

事故: "Accident". The Japanese noun '事故 (じこ)' means 'accident'. This word refers to an unexpected and undesirable event that causes damage or injury. It can be used to describe a wide range of incidents, such as car accidents, industrial accidents, or natural disasters. For example: There was a car accident on the highway - (高速道路で事故がありました). The factory had a serious accident yesterday - (工場で昨日重大な事故がありました).

事務所: "Office". The Japanese noun '事務所 (じむしょ)' refers to an office or a place where administrative or clerical work is carried out. It can be used to describe the physical location of a company or organization, as well as the people who work there. For example: I work in an office - (私は事務所で働いています). The company's office is located downtown - (会社の事務所はダウンタウンにあります).

事務室: "Office". The Japanese word '事務室 (じむしつ)' means 'office'. This noun refers to a room or space used for administrative or clerical work. It is a place where people perform various office tasks such as paperwork, computer work, and meetings. For example: Let's meet in the office - (事務室で会いましょう). The office is on the second floor - (事務室は2階にあります).

記事: "Article". The Japanese noun '記事 (きじ)' refers to a written article or piece of text, usually published in a newspaper, magazine, or online. Articles can cover a wide range of topics, from news and current events to opinion pieces and feature stories. For example: She wrote an interesting article about the new city park - (彼女は新しい都市公園についての興味深い記事を書きました).

刑事: "Detective". The Japanese noun '刑事 (けいじ)' refers to a detective or police investigator. It is used to describe law enforcement officers who are responsible for investigating crimes and gathering evidence. '刑事' is a formal term and is often used in professional or official contexts. For example: The detective interrogated the suspect - (刑事が容疑者を interrogated). The detective solved the case - (刑事がその事件を解決した).

事態: "Situation". The noun '事態 (じたい)' refers to a situation or state of affairs, especially an unusual or serious one. It can be used to describe a complex circumstance or an important event taking place. For example: The current situation is serious - (この事態は深刻です). The situation has become even more complicated - (事態はさらに複雑化してきた).

軍事: "Military". The noun '軍事 (ぐんじ)' refers to military affairs, matters related to the armed forces. It encompasses activities, operations, equipment, and strategies associated with military organizations. For example: military spending - (軍事費), military strategy - (軍事戦略)

見事: "Splendid" or "Magnificent". The Japanese adjectival noun '見事 (みごと)' means 'splendid' or 'magnificent'. It is used to describe something that is remarkably impressive, beautiful, or extraordinary. This word can be applied to a wide range of things, such as nature, architecture, performances, or achievements. For example: The sunset was splendid - (夕日は見事だった). The athlete's performance was magnificent - (その選手の演技は見事だった).

事項: "Matter" or "Topic". The Japanese noun '事項 (じこう)' refers to a matter, affair, subject or topic that needs to be addressed or discussed. It is used to describe something that requires attention, consideration or action. For example: We need to discuss the important matters - (重要な事項について話し合う必要がある). The main topic of our meeting is this matter - (会議の主な事項はこの事項です).

出来事: "Event". The Japanese noun '出来事 (できごと)' means 'event'. This word is used to refer to something that happens or takes place, often with some level of significance or importance. It can describe a wide range of occurrences, from major historical events to personal life events. For example: I attended an important event yesterday - (私は昨日重要な出来事に出席しました). The events of last week changed everything - (先週の出来事は全てを変えてしまった).

人事: "Personnel". The Japanese noun '人事 (じんじ)' refers to the department or function within an organization that is responsible for managing all aspects of human resources, such as hiring, training, employee relations, and compensation. It is a crucial aspect of business operations and strategic planning. For example: The personnel department is reviewing the new policies - (人事部門が新しい方針を見直している). The personnel manager oversees all hiring and firing - (人事マネージャーは採用と退職の全てを監督している).

事例: "Example". The noun '事例 (じれい)' means 'example'. It refers to a specific case or instance that illustrates a general principle or situation. '事例' is commonly used in formal or academic contexts to provide concrete evidence or support for an argument or claim. For example: This study cites several examples of the phenomenon - (この研究では、その現象の事例をいくつか引用している). The case study provided a useful example of the problem - (その事例研究は問題の事例として有用だった).

知事: "Governor". The Japanese noun '知事 (ちじ)' refers to the elected head of a Japanese prefecture or state-level administrative division. Governors are responsible for managing and overseeing their local government and represent the interests of the prefecture. For example: The governor announced new measures - (知事は新しい対策を発表した). The prefectural governor visited the town - (知事が町を訪れた).

当事: "Party". The Japanese noun '当事 (とうじ)' means 'party'. This term refers to a person, group, or entity that is involved in or affected by a particular situation, event, or legal proceeding. It is commonly used in the context of legal or business matters. For example: The parties involved in the contract negotiations - (契約交渉の当事者). The party to the dispute - (紛争の当事者).

理事: "Director". The Japanese noun '理事 (りじ)' refers to a director or board member of an organization. This term is commonly used to describe individuals who hold an administrative or governing position within a company, association, or other institution. For example: She is a director on the board - (彼女は理事会の理事です). The directors held a meeting - (理事たちが会議を開きました).

事前: "Advance". The Japanese noun '事前 (じぜん)' means 'advance'. It refers to the period or state before an event, action, or process takes place. This word is used to indicate preparation or planning that happens before the main event. For example: We need to do advance planning for the event - (イベントのために事前の準備が必要です). I will do advance research on the topic - (その話題について事前に調査をします).

事務員: "Clerk". The Japanese noun '事務員 (じむいん)' means 'clerk'. This term refers to an office worker or administrative assistant who performs clerical duties in an organization, such as filing, typing, answering phones, and other administrative tasks. For example: The clerk helped me with the paperwork - (事務員が書類の手伝いをしてくれた). I need to speak with a clerk at the front desk - (フロントの事務員に話しかけないとなりません).

何事: "Matter" or "Affair". The Japanese noun '何事 (なにごと)' means 'matter' or 'affair'. It is used to refer to a specific event, issue, or occurrence. This word can be used in a general sense to inquire about any event or incident, or more specifically to describe a particular matter or affair. For example: What is the matter? - (何事ですか). This is a serious affair - (これは大事な何事です).

行事: "Event". The Japanese noun '行事 (ぎょうじ)' refers to an organized activity or celebration, such as a festival, ceremony, or other special occasion. It is often used to describe traditional or cultural events. For example: The school has many interesting events throughout the year - (学校には1年中様々な行事があります). We attended the annual spring festival - (毎年の春の行事に出席しました).

家事: "Chores". The Japanese noun '家事 (かじ)' refers to the domestic tasks and duties involved in running a household, such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, and other household maintenance activities. It encompasses the work required to keep a home functioning and organized. For example: I do the chores every weekend - (私は週末に家事をします). She is good at doing household chores - (彼女は家事がよくできる).

物事: "Matter" or "Thing". The Japanese noun '物事 (ものごと)' refers to a matter, issue, situation or thing. It is a general term that can be used to describe a wide range of concepts, events or objects. For example: I have an important matter to discuss - (私は議論するために重要な物事がある). These are the important things we need to consider - (これらは私たちが考慮する必要がある重要な物事です).

炊事: "Cooking". The Japanese verbal noun '炊事 (すいじ)' means 'cooking'. This word refers to the act of preparing food by heating, mixing, and combining ingredients. It encompasses a wide range of culinary activities such as boiling, frying, baking, and more. '炊事' is often used when discussing household chores or responsibilities related to meal preparation. For example: I enjoy cooking - (私は炊事が好きです). She is skilled at cooking - (彼女は炊事が上手です).

事柄: "Matter" or "Affair". The Japanese noun '事柄 (ことがら)' refers to a 'matter' or 'affair'. It can be used to describe something that has occurred or a situation that needs to be dealt with. It suggests something that is of importance or significance. For example: It's an important matter - (重要な事柄だ). I need to attend to this affair - (この事柄に取り組まなければならない).

無事: "Safely". The adverb '無事 (ぶじ)' means 'safely'. It is used to describe an action or situation that occurs without any problems or accidents. It conveys a sense of successful or smooth completion. For example: He arrived safely at the airport - (彼は無事に空港に到着した). We completed the project safely - (私たちは無事にプロジェクトを完了した).

従事: "Engagement". The noun '従事 (じゅうじ)' means 'engagement'. It refers to the act of being involved or occupied with a particular activity or task. This word is often used to describe one's professional or work-related involvement, such as: He is engaged in farming - (彼は農業に従事している). This word can also imply a strong commitment or dedication to a particular endeavor. For example: She is fully engaged in her studies - (彼女は勉強に熱心に従事している).

検事: "Prosecutor". The Japanese noun '検事 (けんじ)' refers to a public prosecutor, an official who is responsible for investigating crimes and presenting criminal cases in court. Prosecutors play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, deciding whether to bring charges against suspects and presenting evidence to judges and juries. For example: The prosecutor presented the evidence in court - (検事は裁判所で証拠を提示しました). The defendant was prosecuted by the tough prosecutor - (被告は厳しい検事に起訴されました).

領事館: "Consulate". The Japanese noun '領事館 (りょうじかん)' refers to a consulate, which is an office of a government in a foreign country that provides services to citizens of the home country. A consulate is typically headed by a consul, who represents the interests of their country and assists its citizens abroad. For example: The embassy and consulate are located on the same street - (大使館と領事館は同じ通りにある).

百科事典: "Encyclopedia". The Japanese noun '百科事典 (ひゃっかじてん)' means 'encyclopedia'. An encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work that provides detailed information on a wide range of subjects. In Japanese, '百科事典' is a common way to refer to an encyclopedia. For example: This encyclopedia has a lot of useful information - (この百科事典にはたくさんの有益な情報が掲載されている).

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 "じ" is read as "ji". The hiragana "ず" is read as "zu". The hiragana "こ" is read as "ko". And The hiragana "と" is read as "to".

Heres a quick tutorial on how to use it. You'll be asked three type of questions: meaning, reading, and writing.

For meanings questions all you have to do is type the english meaning. If there is more than one meaning, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Reading questions you have to type the reading in romaji (roman letters, our normal alphabet) and it'll be automatically converted to hiragana if necessary. If there is more than one reading, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Writing questions some options will appear and all you have to do is select the correct ones.