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刻
koku
engrave
この石碑には「自由」という言葉が刻まれている。
The word 'freedom' is engraved on this monument.
general
to carve or engrave something into a surface
刀で木に文字を刻む。
Carve letters into wood with a knife.
Often used for physical carving, but can also metaphorically imply leaving a lasting impression.
general
to cut or slice something finely
大根を薄く刻んでください。
Please slice the daikon thinly.
Common in cooking instructions.
literary
a unit of time (archaic, literary)
一刻を争う事態だ。
This is a matter of the utmost urgency.
Rarely used in modern speech except in set phrases like 一刻を争う.
formal
to set or mark (time)
時刻を刻む時計。
A clock that marks the time.
Often used in compound nouns like 時刻 (time) or 刻印 (engraved mark).
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 彫る
彫る is more commonly used for carving physical objects (e.g., 木に彫る), while 刻 emphasizes the action of engraving or marking time.
Gold Rule
刻 vs. 彫る
Use 刻 for precise, lasting marks (time, engraving) and 彫る for broader carving (e.g., woodwork).
Word Origin
From Old Japanese, related to the verb 彫る (to carve). The kanji was borrowed from Chinese (刻, kè in Mandarin) during the Asuka period (7th century).
Usage Notes
刻 is often used in compound words (e.g., 彫刻 'sculpture', 時刻 'time'). As a verb, it implies precision and permanence, whether in physical carving or metaphorical impressions.
Word Breakdown
彡 (radical)
related to patterns or carving
radical亥 (radical)
originally represented a pig, later used phonetically
radical和英辞典