Back to dictionary
JLPT N110画 · 10 strokesradical 言grade 2freq #149

scribe, account, narrative

On'yomi (音読み)

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • しる.す

Mnemonic

Imagine a scribe using a giant feather pen to record an important account, the word ‘記’ appearing vividly in the ink.

About this kanji

The kanji 記 (ki) primarily means to scribe or to record information. It is often used as a noun, but it can also be part of verbs, especially in writing contexts. Some common compounds include 記憶 (きおく), meaning "memory"; 記事 (きじ), which translates to "article"; and 記者 (きしゃ), which means "reporter." Another useful compound is 記載 (きさい), referring to mention or recorded details in a document. As a usage note, 記 is frequently used in formal or official contexts, making it a vital kanji for anyone interested in journalism or documentation in Japanese.

Example sentences

  • この本は歴史を記録した作品です。

    This book is a work that records history.

Meanings across languages

English
scribe, account, narrative
Tiếng Việt
ghi chép, tường thuật
日本語
記録, 記す
한국어
기록하다, 서술하다
中文
记, 记录
id
penulis, akuntansi, narasi
th
นักเขียน, บัญชี, เรื่องเล่า
es
escriba, relato, narrativa
fr
scribe, compte, narratif
de
Schrift, Bericht, Erzählung
pt
escriba, conta, narrativa

Common compounds

  • 記憶きおくmemory, recollection, remembrance
  • 記載きさいmention (in a document), record, entry
  • 記事きじarticle, news story, report
  • 記者きしゃreporter, journalist
  • 記述きじゅつdescription, account
  • 記念きねんcommemoration, celebration, remembrance
  • 記録きろくrecord, document, minutes
  • 書記しょきclerk, secretary, writing down

Want to actually learn this kanji?

The dictionary is one view. The Kanji 360 app wraps every character with mnemonic images, audio readings, stroke-order animation, story context, and SRS scheduling — free to start on iPhone, iPad, and Android.