tree trunk, main part, talent, capability

About this kanji

The kanji 幹 (pronounced 'miki' in kun'yomi and 'kan' in on'yomi) primarily means 'tree trunk' or 'the main part' of something, like a core or essential component. It is commonly used in nouns rather than verbs. For example, 幹事 (kanji) refers to an 'executive secretary' who coordinates activities, while 幹部 (kanbu) means 'management', representing those in charge of an organization. Another interesting compound is 新幹線 (shinkansen), which stands for the 'bullet train' in Japan. Usage note: 幹 can also signify abilities or talents, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills in various contexts.

Example sentences

• 木の幹はとても太い。

  The tree trunk is very thick.

Meanings across languages

English

tree trunk, main part, talent, capability

Tiếng Việt

thân cây, phần chính, tài năng, khả năng

日本語

幹, 主な部分, 才能, 能力

한국어

나무 줄기, 주요 부분, 재능, 능력

中文

树干, 主要部分, 才能, 能力

id

batang

th

ลำต้น

es

tronco

fr

tronc

de

Baumstamm

pt

tronco

Common compounds

• 幹事かんじexecutive secretary, coordinator, organizer
• 幹部かんぶmanagement, (executive) staff, leaders
• 新幹線しんかんせんShinkansen, bullet train
• 幹線かんせんmain line, trunk line
• 基幹きかんmainstay, nucleus, key
• 根幹こんかんfoundation, root, basis
• 主幹しゅかんchief editor, managing editor, manager
• 幹流かんりゅうmain current

Words using this kanji