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!
伯
ELDER ・ COUNT
Mnemonic
Picture a person (亻) standing beside WHITE (白). Think of “white” as something distinguished or pure—the mark of seniority. Together, the person + WHITE hints at an ELDER, a respected senior; and by extension a noble rank— a COUNT.
You’ve seen both parts before: 亻 (person) is a common side-piece, and 白 is the standalone kanji for WHITE. Here, white is a handy memory hook for “distinguished/senior.”
Example Vocabulary
- 伯父（おじ） – uncle (older than one’s parent)
- 伯母（おば） – aunt (older than one’s parent)
- 伯爵（はくしゃく） – count (noble title) Click to recall: 白 =
- 伯仲（はくちゅう） – being evenly matched, neck and neck
- 伯 – an honorific/kin term element indicating seniority (seen in the words above)
Seniority and rank, one kanji
伯 shows up in family words for an older relative (伯父・伯母), and in titles like 伯爵 “count.”
It’s a nice example of how kanji meanings stretch: from “elder/senior” in the family to “ranked nobility.”
When you spot 伯, look for a sense of seniority, standing, or distinction.
Example Sentences
- 私の伯父は歴史が好きです。– My uncle (older than my parent) likes history.
- その小説は伯爵の屋敷が舞台です。– The novel is set in a count’s manor.