Explore 相 in the words 相談 and 相手. Learn the reading and meaning of each complete word in context.

The idea

Kanji may have Japanese-origin and Chinese-origin readings; learn each with its word. Compare 相談（そうだん） and 相手（あいて）. 相 has 9 strokes; follow their order in the linked KanjiVG diagram.

Patterns to compare
Japanese wordReadingMeaning
相談そうだんconsultation; discussion
相手あいてthe other person; partner
相互そうごmutual; reciprocal

Examples

  • 友達ともだちに進路しんろを相談そうだんしました。I consulted a friend about my future plans.
  • 頭痛ずつうについて医者いしゃに相談そうだんしました。I consulted a doctor about my headache.
  • 相手あいての話はなしを最後さいごまで聞ききます。I listen to the other person until they finish.
  • 試合しあいの相手あいては強つよかったです。The opponent in the match was strong.
  • 国くにどうしが相互そうごに協力きょうりょくしています。The countries cooperate with one another.
  • 相互そうご理解りかいをもっと深ふかめましょう。Let’s deepen our mutual understanding.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

相談 is a consultation; 相手 is the other person or opponent. Their readings of 相 differ. Compare the components: 相：木＋目／想：相＋心。

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 相談 in hiragana.

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    そうだん

    相談 is read そうだん; it means consultation; discussion. Learn the reading as part of this word.

  2. Write the reading of 相手 in hiragana.

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    あいて

    相手 is read あいて; it means the other person; partner. Learn the reading as part of this word.

  3. Fill in the missing kanji: ＿互（そうご）.

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    相

    相 completes 相互, read そうご; the word means mutual; reciprocal.

Use it today

Cover the table, write 相 from memory, and read 相談 and 相手 aloud. Then check the readings and meanings.