Search…

Search blog post titles and content.

N2

Kanji 改: meanings, readings, and example words.

2 min read

Kanji 改: reformation, change, modify, mend, renew, examine, inspect, search

Key takeaways

Kanji 改: reformation, change, modify, mend, renew, examine, inspect, search. Readings and core meaning.

See vocabulary and examples below.

Kanji at a glance

N2

Meaning

reformationchangemodifymendrenewexamineinspectsearch

On reading

カイ

Kun reading

あらた.めるあらた.まる

Radical

Core meaning / core image

Core meaning: 改

reformation, change, modify, mend, renew, examine, inspect, search

Kanji structure breakdown

Structure breakdown

己 + 攵

Mnemonic story

Mnemonic story

This kanji depicts the act of striking (攵) oneself (己) as if to discipline and correct mistakes. It represents the process of reforming or improving oneself through strict self-discipline.

On'yomi and kun'yomi

On reading

カイ
  • 改悪かいあく

    deterioration / worsening

  • 改革かいかく

    reform / innovation / change

  • 改修かいしゅう

    repair / renovation / improvement

  • 改定かいてい

    revision / amendment / reform

  • 改訂かいてい

    revision / amendment

  • 改良かいりょう

    improvement / enhancement / reform

  • 改札かいさつ

    ticket inspection / gate

  • 改正かいせい

    revision / amendment / change

Kun reading

あらた.める
  • 改まるあらたまる

    to be renewed / to be formalized

  • 改めるあらためる

    to change / revise / reform

Commonly used words

  • 改悪
    かいあく

    deterioration / worsening

  • 改革
    かいかく

    reform / innovation / change

  • 改修
    かいしゅう

    repair / renovation / improvement

  • 改定
    かいてい

    revision / amendment / reform

  • 改訂
    かいてい

    revision / amendment

  • 改良
    かいりょう

    improvement / enhancement / reform

  • 改まる
    あらたまる

    to be renewed / to be formalized

  • 改める
    あらためる

    to change / revise / reform

Example sentences

Example 1

気持ちがまる瞬間だった。

Translation

It was a moment when my feelings were renewed.

Example 2

まった場で話すのは難しい。

Translation

It’s hard to speak in formal situations.

Example 3

規則の悪で不便になった。

Translation

The rule change made things inconvenient.

Example 4

ソフトの悪で使いにくい。

Translation

The software got harder to use due to deterioration.

Kanji 改: reformation, change, modify, mend, renew, examine, inspect, search | Daily Nihongo