付 means “attach, stick”

つける · tsukeru

Also: adhere, refer to, append

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading)

つける, つけ, つく, つき

On'yomi (Chinese reading)

フ

JLPT N3 · Taught in grade 4 · 5 strokes

The story

A hand (寸) reaching out to a person (亻): something handed over and stuck to them. 付 attaches: 受付 is the reception desk, 気付く is when something catches your attention, and 付き合う is going out together.

Used in 受付 (uketsuke, reception desk), 気付く (kizuku, to notice), and 付き合う (tsukiau, to date/keep company)

More from Hands at Work

• 消 put out
• 配 distribute
• 除 remove
• 押 push
• 欠 lack
• 束 bundle
• 閉 close
• 折 fold
• 掛 hang
• 取 take
• 組 group
• 置 put

Learn 付 and more kanji free on Fuji Learning · All kanji

Readings from KANJIDIC2, © EDRDG, CC BY-SA.