run

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is そう, and the kun reading is はしる. It has 7 strokes and relates to running and movement.
• Basic usage: 走る is read はしる, and 競走 is read きょうそう.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 走る / 競走
  • 走る means to run and is read はしる. It describes a person or animal physically running.
  • 毎朝、弟は川沿いを走る。 means “My younger brother runs along the river every morning.”
  • 競走 means race or competition and is read きょうそう. It refers to a race in which participants compete for speed.
  • 運動会の最後に学年対抗の競走が行われた。 means “A race between grade levels was held at the end of the field day.”