鑑
specimen, take warning from, learn from
Readings
On'yomi
- カン
Kun'yomi
- かんが.みる
- かがみ
Nanori
- あき
- あきら
Meaning
鑑 centers on examining something closely as a model or lesson: a specimen to study, a warning to learn from, or a mirror to reflect on.
Most common words using 鑑
20 of 66- 鑑賞かんしょうN2
appreciation (of art, music, poetry, etc.)
- 鑑定かんていN1
judgement; judgment; expert opinion; appraisal
- 図鑑ずかんN2
pictorial book; picture book; illustrated reference book; identification manual; field guide
- 鑑かがみ
model; pattern; paragon; exemplar
- 鑑みるかんがみる
to take into account; to bear in mind; to consider; to learn from; to take as a lesson
- 印鑑いんかんN2
stamp; seal
- 鑑識かんしき
judgement; judgment; discernment; discrimination; having an eye for
- 鑑別かんべつ
discrimination; judgement; judgment; separation; sorting
- 名鑑めいかん
directory; list
- 年鑑ねんかんN1
yearbook; almanac; annual
- 鑑札かんさつ
licence; license; permit
- 精神鑑定せいしんかんてい
psychiatric examination
- DNA型鑑定ディーエヌエーがたかんてい
DNA test
- DNA鑑定ディーエヌエーかんてい
DNA test
- ひな鑑別師ひなかんべつし
chicken sexer
- ひよこ鑑定士ひよこかんていし
chicken sexer
- 不動産鑑定ふどうさんかんてい
real estate appraisal
- 亀鑑きかん
pattern; example; model; paragon; mirror
- 二枚鑑札にまいかんさつ
holding two positions at once (esp. of rikishi or judges who are also coaches)
- 再鑑さいかん
second examination; double checking
Study
Etymology
鑑 combines 金 (metal) with 監, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of looking or reflecting. The character originally referred to a metal mirror used for self-examination, extending to the broader sense of learning from observation.
Meaning mnemonic
A metal (金) mirror (監) lets you see yourself clearly. Use it to examine specimens, learn from warnings, and reflect on your actions.
Reading mnemonic
For カン, picture a can made of polished metal that acts as a mirror: can -> カン, and you look into the can to see your reflection and learn from it.