克
overcome, kindly, skillfully
Readings
On'yomi
- コク
Kun'yomi
- か.つ
Nanori
- かつ
- まさる
- よし
Meaning
克 centers on prevailing over difficulty: overcoming obstacles, handling things skillfully, or acting with a kindly, capable authority that resolves problems.
Most common words using 克
- 克服こくふくN3
conquest (of a difficulty, illness, crisis, etc.); overcoming; surmounting; bringing under control
- 下克上げこくじょう
juniors dominating seniors; inferiors overthrowing their superiors; retainer supplanting his lord
- 克己こっき
self-control; self-mastery; self-restraint; self-denial
- 克明こくめいN1
detailed; scrupulous; careful; minute; faithful; elaborate
- 相克そうこく
rivalry (between two irreconcilable forces); conflict; strife; struggle
- 超克ちょうこく
overcoming; conquering; surmounting; getting over
- 克己復礼こっきふくれい
exercising self-restraint and conforming to the rules of etiquette and formality
- 克己心こっきしん
spirit of self-denial
- 克復こくふく
restoration
- 克灰袋こくはいぶくろ
polyester bag for collecting volcanic ash
- 克雪こくせつ
overcoming damage and problems caused by snow
- 己に克ち礼に復るおのれにかちれいにかえる
act with restraint and conform to the ways of etiquette
- 己に克つおのれにかつ
to control oneself
- 戎克ジャンク
junk (Chinese ship)
Study
Etymology
克 is thought to combine 古 (old) and 儿 (legs/person), but the exact historical development is uncertain. It may have originally depicted a person bearing a burden, symbolizing overcoming.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 古 suggests something old or established, and the bottom 儿 looks like legs. Imagine standing firm on old, solid ground to overcome challenges with skill and kindness.
Reading mnemonic
For コク, picture a determined cook overcoming a difficult recipe: cook -> コク, and the cook skillfully prevails.