Meaning & readings

apologize, thank, refuse

On’yomi シャ
Kun’yomi あやま.る
Nanori さ、ざ

Origin

This character combines the word-related radical , which represents speech or language, with as a sound hint that tells you roughly how to pronounce it. The left side signals that this character deals with words and communication — specifically the kind you speak when apologizing or expressing thanks. The right component contributes the sound value "sha," helping readers know how to say the character aloud. Together, the shape conveys the idea of speaking words related to apology or gratitude.

AI-generated (claude-haiku-4-5), not yet reviewed. Formation type (automated guess): Phono-semantic (meaning + sound hint).

17 strokes

Components

  • radical left
  • sound hint right

A sound hint component points at the character’s pronunciation, not its meaning — don’t read a meaning into it.

Common words

  • 感謝 かんしゃ thanks; gratitude
  • 月謝 げっしゃ monthly tuition fee
  • 謝る あやまる to apologize (apologise)
  • 謝意 しゃい gratitude; thanks
  • 謝罪 しゃざい apology
  • 謝礼 しゃれい reward; honorarium
  • 代謝 たいしゃ metabolism
  • 陳謝 ちんしゃ apology

Reference

Strokes
17
Kangxi radical
149
Grade
Grade 5 (Kyōiku)
Frequency rank
#1028 (newspapers)
Former JLPT
level 1
Unicode
U+08B1D