leather · reform

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is かく, and the kun reading is かわ. It has 9 strokes. It appears in words for leather and reforms of systems or organizations.
• Basic usage: 革 is read かわ and 改革 is read かいかく.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 革 / 改革
  • 革 means leather and is read かわ. It refers to leather used to make items such as bags or notebooks.
  • 職人は革で丈夫なかばんを作った。 means “The craftsperson made a sturdy bag from leather.”
  • 改革 means reform and is read かいかく. It refers to reform that changes a school system or an outdated organization.
  • 学校は入試制度の改革に向けて議論を始めた。 means “The school began discussions on reforming the entrance examination system.”