Explore 係 in the words 係 and 係員. 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 係（かかり） and 係員（かかりいん）. 係 has 9 strokes; follow their order in the linked KanjiVG diagram.

Patterns to compare
Japanese wordReadingMeaning
係かかりperson in charge; duty
係員かかりいんstaff member in charge
関係かんけいrelationship; connection

Examples

  • 駅えきの係かかりに道みちを聞ききました。I asked a station attendant for directions.
  • 今日きょうは掃除そうじの係かかりです。Today I am in charge of cleaning.
  • 係員かかりいんの指示しじに従したがってください。Please follow the staff member’s instructions.
  • 受付うけつけの係員かかりいんに番号ばんごうを伝つたえました。I gave the number to the person at reception.
  • この問題もんだいは安全あんぜんに関係かんけいしています。This issue concerns safety.
  • 二人ふたりは良よい関係かんけいを築きずきました。The two built a good relationship.

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

Watch out

係 can name a duty or the person responsible; 関係 means a relationship or connection. Compare the components: 係：亻＋系／体：亻＋本。

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 係 in hiragana.

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    かかり

    係 is read かかり; it means person in charge; duty. Learn the reading as part of this word.

  2. Write the reading of 係員 in hiragana.

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    かかりいん

    係員 is read かかりいん; it means staff member in charge. Learn the reading as part of this word.

  3. Fill in the missing kanji: 関＿（かんけい）.

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    係

    係 completes 関係, read かんけい; the word means relationship; connection.

Use it today

Cover the table, write 係 from memory, and read 係 and 係員 aloud. Then check the readings and meanings.