About this Draft
This page is part of the early access version of The Kanji Speedrun. The essentials—kanji meanings and mnemonics—are already in place and usable, but nearly every part of the page is still being polished. Some entries may contain mistakes, but please rest assured we are working hard to make revisions.
We’re sharing these drafts now so you can keep learning while we polish the full experience. If you notice something off, please don’t hesitate to let me know—it’s a huge help in improving the course!
土
SOIL ・ EARTH
Mnemonic
Think of 土 as a mound of SOIL on the ground. The bottom line is the ground itself, and the line above it is the pile resting on top. From this humble image of earth beneath our feet, the kanji came to mean both soil and the ground we stand on.
Example Vocabulary
- 土曜日（どようび） – Saturday Click to recall: 曜 =
- 土地（とち） – land, plot of ground
- 土台（どだい） – foundation, base
- 土手（どて） – embankment
- 粘土（ねんど） – clay
Example Sentences
- 家の土台がしっかりしています。– The foundation of the house is solid.
- 子どもたちは粘土であそびました。– The children played with clay.