Readings: ケイ (Onyomi), かか(る), かかり, がかり (Kunyomi)
Meaning: person in charge, connection, concern, related
The kanji 係 is composed of 糸 (thread/connection) and 氏 (a phonetic component also conveying attachment or belonging). Together, they convey the idea of being connected to, being in charge of, or being involved with. The thread element suggests linkage and entanglement, while the phonetic part reinforces the idea of responsibility or attachment to a person/group.
View JLPT N3 Kanji ListHow to Write – Stroke Order
The kanji 係 has 9 strokes. It begins with the radical 糸 (thread) on the left, followed by the right-hand component. Pay attention to the correct order of strokes within each part, especially the three dots of the 糸 radical and the top strokes of the right side.
Kanji Details
| Radical | 糸 (いとへん) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 9 |
| JLPT Level | N3 |
| Grade | Jouyou |
Readings with English Transcription
Onyomi (Chinese readings)
- ケイ (KEI)
Kunyomi (Japanese readings)
- かか(る) (kaka(ru))
- かかり (kakari)
- がかり (gakari)
Common Words Using 係
Onyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 関係 | かんけい | relation, connection, concern |
| 係員 | けいいん | attendant, staff member |
| 係数 | けいすう | coefficient |
| 係累 | けいるい | dependents, family ties |
| 連係 | れんけい | cooperation, coordination |
| 直系 | ちょっけい | direct line, direct lineage |
| 関係者 | かんけいしゃ | interested parties, personnel concerned |
| 係争 | けいそう | dispute, controversy |
| 無関係 | むかんけい | unrelated, no relation |
| 主係 | しゅけい | main connection, chief concern |
Kunyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 係り | かかり | person in charge, duty, section |
| 係わる | かかわる | to be involved in, to affect, to concern |
| 世話係 | せわがかり | caretaker, person in charge of looking after |
| 受付係 | うけつけがかり | receptionist, person in charge of reception |
| 案内係 | あんないがかり | guide, usher |
| 連絡係 | れんらくがかり | liaison officer, contact person |
| 会計係 | かいけいがかり | accountant, treasurer |
| 当番係 | とうばんがかり | person on duty, person in charge of a turn |
| 会場係 | かいじょうがかり | venue staff |
| 記録係 | きろくがかり | recorder, record keeper |
Example Sentences
Japanese: 彼とは良い関係を築いています。
Kana: かれとはよいかんけいをきずいています。
Romaji: Kare to wa yoi kankei o kizuite imasu.
English: I have a good relationship with him.
Japanese: 係員がご案内します。
Kana: けいいんがごあんないします。
Romaji: Kei’in ga go-annai shimasu.
English: A staff member will guide you.
Japanese: その事件に係わっていたのは彼だ。
Kana: そのじけんにかかわっていたのはかれだ。
Romaji: Sono jiken ni kakawatte ita no wa kare da.
English: He was involved in that incident.
Japanese: 彼は販売の係りです。
Kana: かれははんばいのかかりです。
Romaji: Kare wa hanbai no kakari desu.
English: He is in charge of sales.
Japanese: 彼女は子供たちの世話係です。
Kana: かのじょはこどもたちのせわがかりです。
Romaji: Kanojo wa kodomo-tachi no sewagakari desu.
English: She is the children’s caretaker.
Japanese: 受付係に名前を伝えてください。
Kana: うけつけがかりになまえをつたえてください。
Romaji: Uketsukegakari ni namae o tsutaete kudasai.
English: Please tell your name to the receptionist.
Japanese: 私はその問題とは無関係です。
Kana: わたしはそのもんだいとはむかんけいです。
Romaji: Watashi wa sono mondai to wa mukankei desu.
English: I have no relation to that problem.
Japanese: これは彼に直接関係があります。
Kana: これはかれにちょくせつかんけいがあります。
Romaji: Kore wa kare ni chokusetsu kankei ga arimasu.
English: This directly relates to him.
Japanese: 係り付けの医者に診てもらいます。
Kana: かかりつけのいしゃにみてもらいます。
Romaji: Kakaritsuke no isha ni mite moraimasu.
English: I will have my regular doctor examine me.
Japanese: 彼女がチームの連絡係を務めています。
Kana: かのじょがチームのれんらくがかりをつとめています。
Romaji: Kanojo ga chiimu no renrakugakari o tsutomete imasu.
English: She serves as the team’s liaison.
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