相 Meaning, Reading, and Vocabulary Guide | Onyomi ソウ・Kunyomi あい
相 is a JLPT N3 kanji with various meanings, including 'mutual', 'state', and 'minister'.
The onyomi is usually read as 'ソウ', but it is also read as 'ショウ' when referring to government positions.
The kunyomi 'あい' is very commonly used in everyday words like 相手 (partner/opponent) and 相変わらず (as usual).
Kanji at a glance
Core meaning / core image
相 originally started with the meaning of closely examining a tree (木) with one's eyes (目). This expanded to mean 'facing each other', 'mutual', and 'outward appearance or state'.
Kanji structure breakdown
Mnemonic story
Imagine hiding behind a tree (木) and watching each other's state with your eyes (目). By picturing people facing 'each other' and checking their 'state', you can easily remember its meaning of 'mutual'.
On'yomi and kun'yomi
On reading
Kun reading
Commonly used words
Example sentences
Mini quiz
Which of the following words uses the onyomi 'ショウ' for the kanji 相?
One-line summary
In addition to 'mutual', 相 is used in various meanings such as 'state' and 'minister'. It is a highly useful kanji in daily life, appearing in words like 相談 (そうだん) and 相手 (あいて).
FAQ
When is 相 read as 'ソウ' and when is it read as 'ショウ'?
Generally, it is often read as 'ソウ' when meaning 'mutual' or 'state' (e.g., 相談, 相当). On the other hand, it tends to be read as 'ショウ' when referring to government positions or titles like 'minister' or 'prime minister' (e.g., 首相).
How is 相 read in 相手 (あいて)?
相手 (あいて) is a combination of the kunyomi 'あい' for 相 and the kunyomi 'て' for 手. It came to mean 'partner' or 'opponent' from the literal meaning of 'a person facing each other'.
