Readings: リツ, ソツ (Onyomi), ひきいる (Kunyomi)
Meaning: rate, ratio, proportion; leader, commander; to lead, to command
The kanji 率 (ritsu) has an interesting origin. It’s said to be a pictogram (象形文字, shōkei moji) that originally depicted a banner or flag with tassels, which was used to guide or lead. This visual connection led to its primary meaning of ‘to lead’ or ‘to command.’ From the idea of setting a standard or determining a course, its meaning expanded to encompass ‘rate,’ ‘ratio,’ and ‘proportion’ – essentially, the ‘measure’ or ‘standard’ by which things are determined or compared. The radical 玄 (gen), often associated with ‘dark’ or ‘mysterious,’ adds a layer of profundity, perhaps suggesting the deep principles by which things are measured or led.
View JLPT N1 Kanji ListHow to Write – Stroke Order
The stroke order for 率 begins with the ‘亠’ component, followed by the top right part, then the ‘十’ inside, and finally the bottom ‘玄’ radical. Pay attention to the order and direction of each of the 11 strokes for correct writing.
Kanji Details
| Radical | 玄 |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 11 |
| JLPT Level | N1 |
| Grade | S |
Readings with English Transcription
Onyomi (Chinese readings)
- リツ (RITSU)
- ソツ (SOTSU)
Kunyomi (Japanese readings)
- ひきいる (hikiiru)
Common Words Using 率
Onyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 比率 | ひりつ | ratio, percentage |
| 確率 | かくりつ | probability, likelihood |
| 効率 | こうりつ | efficiency, efficacy |
| 能率 | のうりつ | efficiency, performance |
| 利率 | りりつ | interest rate |
| 税率 | ぜいりつ | tax rate |
| 合格率 | ごうかくりつ | passing rate |
| 失業率 | しつぎょうりつ | unemployment rate |
| 率先 | そっせん | taking the initiative |
| 統率 | とうそつ | command, leadership |
Kunyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 率いる | ひきいる | to lead, to command, to spearhead |
Example Sentences
Japanese: 円高で輸出の採算率が低下した。
Kana: えんだかでゆしゅつのさいさんりつがていかした。
Romaji: Endaka de yushutsu no saisanritsu ga teika shita.
English: The profitability of exports decreased due to the strong yen.
Japanese: 彼女は常に率先して行動する人だ。
Kana: かのじょはつねにそっせんしてこうどうするひとだ。
Romaji: Kanojo wa tsune ni sossen shite koudou suru hito da.
English: She is a person who always takes the initiative.
Japanese: この地域の犯罪率は低い。
Kana: このちいきのはんざいりつはひくい。
Romaji: Kono chiiki no hanzairitsu wa hikui.
English: The crime rate in this area is low.
Japanese: 効率よく作業を進める方法を考えよう。
Kana: こうりつよくさぎょうをすすめるほうほうをかんがえよう。
Romaji: Kouritsu yoku sagyou o susumeru houhou o kangaeyou.
English: Let’s think of ways to proceed with the work efficiently.
Japanese: 新しいリーダーがチームを率いてプロジェクトを成功させた。
Kana: あたらしいリーダーがチームをひきいてプロジェクトをせいこうさせた。
Romaji: Atarashii riidaa ga chiimu o hikiite purojekuto o seikou saseta.
English: The new leader led the team to success on the project.
Japanese: 景気回復に伴い、失業率が改善された。
Kana: けいきかいふくにともない、しつぎょうりつがかいぜんされた。
Romaji: Keiki kaifuku ni tomonai, shitsugyouritsu ga kaizen sareta.
English: The unemployment rate improved with the economic recovery.
Japanese: この国の出生率は年々減少している。
Kana: このくにのしゅっしょうりつはねんねんげんしょうしている。
Romaji: Kono kuni no shusshouritsu wa nennen genshou shiteiru.
English: The birth rate in this country is decreasing year by year.
Japanese: データを分析し、変化率を明確にした。
Kana: データをぶんせきし、へんかりつをめいかくにした。
Romaji: Deeta o bunseki shi, henkaritsu o meikaku ni shita.
English: We analyzed the data and clarified the rate of change.
Japanese: 金融機関は預金利率を引き上げた。
Kana: きんゆうきかんはよきんりりつをひきあげた。
Romaji: Kinyuu kikan wa yokinritsu o hikiageta.
English: Financial institutions raised deposit interest rates.
Japanese: この薬の成功率は非常に高い。
Kana: このくすりのせいこうりつはひじょうにたかい。
Romaji: Kono kusuri no seikouritsu wa hijou ni takai.
English: The success rate of this medicine is very high.
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