遇 (Encounter) - Meaning and history | Japanese Kanji

The kanji 遇 means to meet, to encounter, interview, entertain, receive.

遇 is used in terms related to an encounter (similar to 遭) or special events.

In this post we learn more about the meaning of 遇, its origin, and how it is used through real example sentences.

Origin of the kanji 遇

The kanji 遇 originates from the following radicals and kanji:

• 禺: kanji which in turn is composed of 甲, 冂, and 厶

• ⻌: radical that indicates the way, road

What does kanji mean 遇

The kanji 遇 is a synonym of 遭 and 会. Like these two kanji, 遇 also translates as meet. Its meaning is more like 遭: encounter with problems, difficulties, and difficult situations.

Kanji readings 遇

Let's now see the various On and Kun readings that the kanji 遇 assumes.

Kun readings of the kanji 遇 🇯🇵

あ

The reading あ of the kanji 遇 is the same as 遭 and 会: it is used for the word 遇(あ)う, meet or encounter.

The kanji 遇 is rarely used, the most common kanji is 会

On readings of the kanji 遇 🇨🇳

ぐう

The reading ぐう is used in some words that contain the kanji 遇. Some examples are:

• 遭(そう)遇(ぐう): encounter a difficulty

• 境(きょう)遇(ぐう): circumstance, situation (in life)

• 優(ゆう)遇(ぐう): favorable treatment

• 会(かい)遇(ぐう): meeting