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JLPT N19画 · 9 strokesradical 目grade 3freq #45

inter-, mutual, together, each other

Also: minister of state, councillor, aspect, phase, physiognomy

On'yomi (音読み)

  • ソウ
  • ショウ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • あい-

Mnemonic

Imagine two eyes (目) meeting each other, reflecting mutual understanding, as they interact in a deep conversation, symbolizing the essence of 'together'.

About this kanji

The kanji 「相」 primarily means 'inter-' or 'mutual,' and is often used to indicate a relationship or connection between people or things. It can function as a noun or a part of a verb, but is most commonly seen in nouns. Some representative compounds include 外相 (がいしょう), meaning 'Foreign Minister,' and 首相 (しゅしょう), which means 'Prime Minister.' Another common usage is 相手 (あいて), meaning 'partner' or 'companion.' It's interesting to note that this kanji reflects the idea of mutuality or correspondence in various contexts, highlighting concepts where two parties are involved.

Example sentences

  • 相手の気持ちを考えよう。

    Let's consider the other person's feelings.

Meanings across languages

English
inter-, mutual, together, each other, minister of state, councillor, aspect, phase, physiognomy
Tiếng Việt
lẫn nhau, với nhau, cùng nhau, nhau, bộ trưởng, hội viên, khía cạnh, giai đoạn, tướng mạo
日本語
相互, 互い, 一緒
한국어
상호, 상신, 각각
中文
相互, 共同, 方面
id
inter-, saling, bersama, satu sama lain, menteri negara, anggota dewan, aspek, fase, fisiognomi
th
ระหว่างกัน, ร่วมกัน, ซึ่งกันและกัน, รัฐมนตรี, ที่ปรึกษา, มุมมอง, สถานะ, ลักษณะ
es
inter-, mutuo, juntos, entre sí, ministro de estado, consejero, aspecto, fase, fisiognomía
fr
inter-, mutuel, ensemble, l'un l'autre, ministre d'État, conseiller, aspect, phase, physiognomonie
de
inter-, gegenseitig, gemeinsam, einander, Staatsminister, Ratsmitglied, Aspekt, Phase, Physiognomie
pt
inter-, mútuo, juntos, um ao outro, ministro de Estado, conselheiro, aspecto, fase, fisiognomia

Common compounds

  • 外相がいしょうForeign Minister
  • 厚相こうしょうWelfare Minister
  • 首相しゅしょうprime minister, chancellor (Germany, Austria, etc.), premier
  • 真相しんそうtruth, real situation
  • 相手あいてcompanion, partner, company
  • 相場そうばmarket price, speculation (e.g. on stocks), reputation (according to conventional wisdom)
  • 相談そうだんconsultation, discussion, discussing
  • 相当そうとうcorresponding to (in meaning, function, etc.), being equivalent to, appropriate

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