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道Nihongo Path
釈

釈·explanation, interpretation, release

On-yomi
シャク
Kun-yomi
none

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
解釈かいしゃくinterpretation
会釈えしゃくslight bow, nod of greeting
釈明しゃくめいexplanation, vindication
注釈ちゅうしゃくannotation, note

Example sentences

  1. 彼の解釈は少し違うと思う。

    かれのかいしゃくはすこしちがうとおもう。

    I think his interpretation is slightly off.

  2. すれ違うときに軽く会釈した。

    すれちがうときにかるくえしゃくした。

    I gave a slight nod as we passed each other.

  3. 担当者が事情を釈明した。

    たんとうしゃがじじょうをしゃくめいした。

    The person in charge explained the circumstances.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Reading 会釈 as かいしゃく — it is えしゃく; かいしゃく is 解釈
  • Writing 訳 for 釈 in 解釈

Memory aid

Picture it

釆 on the left is grain being sorted apart: picking a text apart grain by grain until it can be explained.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 釈 mean?