承
Kun readings 🇯🇵
On readings 🇨🇳

The kanji 承 means consent
, to be told
, awareness
, knowledge
, approval
.
承 is used in typically formal contexts to indicate approval and consent to an explanation or order received.
In this post we learn in detail the meaning of 承, its origin, and how it is used through real example sentences.
Origin of the kanji 承
The kanji 承 is quite particular and one of a kind. We can recognize the following kanji within 承:
子: kanji which means
child
, which you can see in the upper and central section of the kanji手: kanji meaning
hand
, which is intertwined with the kanji 子 in the center of 承
What does kanji mean 承
The kanji 承 is most often used in formal situations to indicate consent, acceptance, knowledge, awareness. 承 is also used as a verb meaning to know
, to be told
, to receive
(order).
Kanji readings 承
Let's now see the various On and Kun readings that the kanji 承 assumes.
Kun readings of the kanji 承 🇯🇵
うけたまわ. る
This reading is quite rare for the kanji. It is used for the verb 承る, which means to hear
, to know
, to receive
(order).
う. ける
The reading う is used for the verb 承ける, which means to receive
.
On readings of the kanji 承 🇨🇳
しょう
The reading しょう is the most common for the kanji. This reading is used in combination with other kanji to indicate consent, knowledge, approval (of an order received for example).
This reading becomes じょう with some kanji.
Some words that use the kanji 承 reading しょう are:
承知:
knowledge
,consent
,acceptance
了承:
approval
,consent
不承:
disagree
,negation
Examples of the kanji 承
そんなことを承知するはずないだろう。
It is impossible to accept such a thing.
手前勝手な頼みとは承知しておりますが…
I am aware that this request is selfish, but...
途切れさせず継承していってくれ。
Must not be interrupted, it's inheritance.