重 means “heavy, important”

おもい · omoi

Also: esteem, respect

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): え, おもい, おもり, おもなう, かさねる
On'yomi (Chinese reading): ジュウ, チョウ

JLPT N4 · Taught in grade 3 · 9 strokes

The story

Layers stacked one upon another: the more layers, the heavier the burden. 重 carries a beautiful double meaning: physical weight and emotional gravity. 重要 (juuyou, important) literally means "heavy and essential." In sumo, a wrestler's 体重 (taijuu, body weight) is their primary weapon. Even words carry weight: 重い話 (omoi hanashi) is a "heavy conversation."

Used in 重要 (juuyou, important), 体重 (taijuu, body weight), and 二重 (nijuu, double/twofold)

Where it comes from

Ideographic (会意文字): Layers stacked upon each other: accumulated weight.

Shows layers stacked one on top of another: the more layers, the heavier. Originally depicted a person with a heavy bundle on their back.

To remember it: Layers stacked up: the more you pile on, the heavier it gets!

Words with 重

重要 (じゅうよう, juuyou): important
体重 (たいじゅう, taijuu): body weight

Example sentences

この荷物は重いです。 This luggage is heavy.
重要な会議があります。 There is an important meeting.

Kanji that look like 重

量 (quantity): 重 has 里 below the top: stacked layers of weight; 量 has 日 on top of 里: measuring by the sun

More from Measurement & Size

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