Kana Kanji

Learn Kanji

A Beautiful Guide to Advanced Japanese

Lesson 13: 風 (Wind)

Radicals in 風

The kanji 風 (kaze, meaning "wind") is a character that conveys the dynamic and invisible force of air. It is classified under the 風 radical itself (Radical 182), but its components reveal deeper imagery.

  • 巳 (Serpent/Self): The outer part, resembling Radical 49, historically relates to a coiled shape or motion, suggesting the swirling nature of wind.
  • 虫 (Insect Radical): The inner part, Radical 142, means "insect," possibly symbolizing the rustling or fluttering caused by wind, as insects move with it.

Visually, 風 encloses an insect (虫) within a swirling frame (巳), evoking wind as a moving, rustling force that stirs the world—an apt depiction of its elusive power. Fun fact: The insect component may reflect ancient observations of leaves or small creatures caught in breezes, linking nature to this kanji’s design.

Examples of 風 in Use

Here are some common words and phrases using 風:

風 (kaze)

Meaning: Wind

Hiragana: かぜ

Example: 風が吹く。
(Kaze ga fuku.)
"The wind blows."

強風 (kyōfū)

Meaning: Strong wind

Hiragana: きょうふう

Example: 強風が木を揺らす。
(Kyōfū ga ki o yurasu.)
"A strong wind shakes the trees."

風邪 (kaze)

Meaning: Cold (illness)

Hiragana: かぜ

Example: 風邪を引いた。
(Kaze o hiita.)
"I caught a cold."

涼風 (suzukaze)

Meaning: Cool breeze

Hiragana: すずかぜ

Example: 涼風が気持ちいい。
(Suzukaze ga kimochi ii.)
"The cool breeze feels nice."

風向き (kazamuki)

Meaning: Wind direction

Hiragana: かざむき

Example: 風向きが変わった。
(Kazamuki ga kawatta.)
"The wind direction changed."

風景 (fūkei)

Meaning: Scenery / Landscape

Hiragana: ふうけい

Example: 風景が綺麗だ。
(Fūkei ga kirei da.)
"The scenery is beautiful."

風速 (fūsoku)

Meaning: Wind speed

Hiragana: ふうそく

Example: 風速が上がる。
(Fūsoku ga agaru.)
"The wind speed increases."

和風 (wafū)

Meaning: Japanese style

Hiragana: わふう

Example: 和風の家が好きだ。
(Wafū no ie ga suki da.)
"I like Japanese-style houses."

風味 (fūmi)

Meaning: Flavor / Charm

Hiragana: ふうみ

Example: 風味が豊かだ。
(Fūmi ga yutaka da.)
"The flavor is rich."

風の音 (kaze no oto)

Meaning: Sound of the wind

Hiragana: かぜのおと

Example: 風の音を聞く。
(Kaze no oto o kiku.)
"I listen to the sound of the wind."

The kanji 風 embodies the fleeting and powerful essence of wind, rustling through nature and influencing both the physical and cultural landscape.