壁
KANJI DETAIL
wall
On readingへき16 strokesN1
Radical 土 · earthStroke order
Loading the stroke order for 壁.
Japanese readings
- On reading
- へき
- Kun reading
- かべ
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
壁means wall; its kun-reading isかべand its on-reading isへき. - Basic usage:
壁(かべ)means a wall, while障壁(しょうへき)means an obstructing barrier.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- A visible wall and a barrier to communication
言葉の壁means a language barrier.壁applies to communication difficulties as well as to a physical wall behind a desk.交流の障壁means a barrier to interaction.障壁applies to factors that obstruct an activity, such as language differences or obstacles to new entry.