Readings: レキ (Onyomi), (Kunyomi)
Meaning: history, record, personal history
The kanji 歴 combines elements that suggest movement through time or stages. The radical 止 (tomeru) can mean “stop” but is also related to “foot” or “steps,” indicating a progression. The upper part (厂) is often associated with a cliff or factory, while the lower part (禾) refers to grain or rice, symbolizing seasons or the passage of time. Together, these elements convey the idea of passing through events or periods, leading to the meaning of “history” or “experience record.”
View JLPT N2 Kanji ListHow to Write – Stroke Order
The kanji 歴 (reki) has 14 strokes. Start with the top left component, drawing the horizontal and vertical strokes. Then, write the components within the main structure, followed by the two horizontal strokes inside the lower part, and finally the bottom left and right components. Pay attention to the balance and order of strokes, especially the inner elements.
Kanji Details
| Radical | 止 |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 14 |
| JLPT Level | N2 |
| Grade | Junior High (Joyo Kanji) |
Readings with English Transcription
Onyomi (Chinese readings)
- レキ (reki)
Common Words Using 歴
Onyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 歴史 | れきし | history |
| 経歴 | けいれき | personal history, career |
| 履歴書 | りれきしょ | resume, CV |
| 学歴 | がくれき | academic background |
| 職歴 | しょくれき | work experience |
| 歴代 | れきだい | successive generations |
| 暦年 | れきねん | calendar year |
| 歴然 | れきぜん | obvious, clear |
| 歴訪 | れきほう | tour, successive visits |
| 歴戦 | れきせん | veteran (of many battles) |
Example Sentences
Japanese: 日本の歴史を勉強しています。
Kana: にほんのれきしをべんきょうしています。
Romaji: Nihon no rekishi o benkyō shite imasu.
English: I am studying Japanese history.
Japanese: 彼の経歴は素晴らしい。
Kana: かれのけいれきはすばらしい。
Romaji: Kare no keireki wa subarashii.
English: His career is excellent.
Japanese: 就職のために履歴書を書いた。
Kana: しゅうしょくのためにりれきしょをかいた。
Romaji: Shūshoku no tame ni rirekisho o kaita.
English: I wrote a resume for job hunting.
Japanese: 彼女は高学歴だ。
Kana: かのじょはこうがくれきだ。
Romaji: Kanojo wa kōgakureki da.
English: She has a high academic background.
Japanese: 私の職歴には多様な経験が含まれている。
Kana: わたしのしょくれきにはたようなけいけんがふくまれている。
Romaji: Watashi no shokureki ni wa tayō na keiken ga fukumarete iru.
English: My work experience includes diverse experiences.
Japanese: 歴代の大統領がこの建物を使った。
Kana: れきだいのだいとうりょうがこのたてものをつかった。
Romaji: Rekidai no daitōryō ga kono tatemono o tsukatta.
English: Successive presidents used this building.
Japanese: 今年の暦年はもうすぐ終わる。
Kana: ことしのれきねんはもうすぐおわる。
Romaji: Kotoshi no rekinen wa mō sugu owaru.
English: This calendar year will end soon.
Japanese: 彼の嘘は歴然としていた。
Kana: かれのうそはれきぜんとしていた。
Romaji: Kare no uso wa rekizen to shite ita.
English: His lie was obvious.
Japanese: 首相はアジア諸国を歴訪した。
Kana: しゅしょうはアジアしょこくをれきほうした。
Romaji: Shushō wa Ajia shokoku o rekihō shita.
English: The prime minister toured various Asian countries.
Japanese: 彼は歴戦の勇士だ。
Kana: かれはれきせんのゆうしだ。
Romaji: Kare wa rekisen no yūshi da.
English: He is a veteran warrior.
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