接

Adjoin

Level 63

How this kanji evolved

Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.

The character 接 (jiē) depicts the concept of 'connecting' or 'receiving.' Its ancient form in Liushutong shows 扌(hand) combined with 妾 (concubine), though some interpretations suggest it originally showed two hands joining together. The core meaning revolves around physical contact and connection - to join, to meet, to receive. Over time, it evolved to represent both literal connections (handshakes, receiving objects) and metaphorical ones (welcoming guests, continuing traditions). The modern form clearly shows the hand radical on the left, emphasizing the action of reaching out and making contact. Arrived in Japan: The character 接 likely arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing system (kanji) through Buddhist texts and cultural exchange with China and Korea. It appears in early Japanese documents like the Manyōshū (8th century) and was incorporated into the Japanese language with readings setsuzoku (to connect) and sessuru (to come in contact).

Reading reference

Onyomi (音読み)

セツ

Kunyomi (訓読み)

つ

Related Vocabulary

間接
indirection, indirectness
直接
direct, immediate, personal, firsthand
直接的
direct
面接
interview (e.g. for a job)