What does 具 mean in Japanese?
具 means “tool, ingredient, equipment” in Japanese. You will often see it in practical words such as 道具 (tool), 家具 (furniture), and 具合 (condition).
For learners, the key is to study 具 through real vocabulary. The examples below show how the kanji works in words, sentences, and related kanji.
Reading
On’yomi: グ (gu)
Kun’yomi: そな-える (sona-eru)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 具 |
|---|
How to Understand This Kanji
具 is not limited to one English translation. In 道具 (どうぐ), it means tool; in 家具 (かぐ), it points to furniture; and in 具合 (ぐあい), it is used for condition. Reading these compounds side by side helps you understand the range of the kanji.
Common Words
- 道具（どうぐ / dōgu） — tool
- 家具（かぐ / kagu） — furniture
- 具合（ぐあい / guai） — condition
- 具体的（ぐたいてき / gutaiteki） — concrete; specific
- 具材（ぐざい / guzai） — ingredients
- 文房具（ぶんぼうぐ / bunbōgu） — stationery
Example Sentences
-
新しい道具を買いました。
あたらしいどうぐをかいました。 / Atarashii dōgu o kaimashita.
I bought a new tool.
-
部屋に家具を置きました。
へやにかぐをおきました。 / Heya ni kagu o okimashita.
I placed furniture in the room.
-
体の具合はどうですか。
からだのぐあいはどうですか。 / Karada no guai wa dō desu ka?
How is your physical condition?
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
Start with 道具 (どうぐ / dōgu) because it keeps the core meaning of 具 clear. Then add 家具 and 具合 to see how the reading and meaning shift in real vocabulary. Do not memorize 具 as a single English word; connect it to actual words and example sentences.
Summary
具 means “tool, ingredient, equipment” and appears in useful Japanese words such as 道具, 家具, and 具合.