遂

Accomplish

Level 84

How this kanji evolved

Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.

The character 遂 evolved from ancient forms depicting 'to follow' or 'to pursue,' combining the radical 辵 (walking movement) with 㒸 (originally representing a pig being pursued). Over time, its meaning expanded from literal pursuit to abstract concepts of 'accomplishing' or 'fulfilling' something. In bronze inscriptions, the character showed clearer movement elements, which standardized during the Qin dynasty into the modern form. The character carries connotations of finally achieving something after a process, hence its meanings of 'accomplish,' 'finally,' and 'thus.' Arrived in Japan: The character 遂 likely arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing systems, possibly through Buddhist texts and official documents exchanged between Chinese and Japanese courts. It was incorporated into the Japanese writing system as part of the kanji adopted during the Asuka and Nara periods.

Reading reference

Onyomi (音読み)

スイ

Kunyomi (訓読み)

とつい

Related Vocabulary

遂げる
to accomplish, to achieve, to carry out, to arrive at (a certain outcome), to come to, to end with
遂行
accomplishment, execution
未遂
failed attempt (at a crime, suicide, etc.)