功
KANJI DETAIL
achievement · merit
On readingこう5 strokesN2
Radical 力 · strengthStroke order
Loading the stroke order for 功.
Japanese readings
- On reading
- こう
- Kun reading
- None
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
功has five strokes and the on-readingこう. - Basic usage: It appears in words for achieved results and meritorious contributions.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Success and contribution
成功(せいこう)is a successful result of an attempt, while功績(こうせき)is an achievement or contribution worthy of recognition. A successful experiment and a contribution to local health care illustrate their different emphases.
- Merits and faults together
功罪(こうざい)covers merits and faults, or benefits and problems together. It is used when considering both positive and negative sides of a technology or policy.

