What does 荷 mean in Japanese?
荷 means “luggage, load” in Japanese. You will often see it in practical words such as 荷物 (luggage; baggage), 出荷 (shipment), and 入荷 (arrival of goods).
For learners, the key is to study 荷 through real vocabulary. The examples below show how the kanji works in words, sentences, and related kanji.
Reading
On’yomi: カ (ka)
Kun’yomi: に (ni)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 荷 |
|---|
How to Understand This Kanji
荷 is not limited to one English translation. In 荷物 (にもつ), it means luggage; baggage; in 出荷 (しゅっか), it points to shipment; and in 入荷 (にゅうか), it is used for arrival of goods. Reading these compounds side by side helps you understand the range of the kanji.
Common Words
- 荷物（にもつ / nimotsu） — luggage; baggage
- 出荷（しゅっか / shukka） — shipment
- 入荷（にゅうか / nyūka） — arrival of goods
- 荷台（にだい / nidai） — truck bed; loading platform
- 手荷物（てにもつ / tenimotsu） — hand luggage
- 重荷（おもに / omoni） — heavy burden
Example Sentences
-
重い荷物を運びました。
おもいにもつをはこびました。 / Omoi nimotsu o hakobimashita.
I carried heavy luggage.
-
荷台に箱を置きました。
にだいにはこをおきました。 / Nidai ni hako o okimashita.
I placed boxes on the cargo bed.
-
荷札に名前を書いてください。
にふだになまえをかいてください。 / Nifuda ni namae o kaite kudasai.
Please write your name on the baggage tag.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
Start with 荷物 (にもつ / nimotsu) because it keeps the core meaning of 荷 clear. Then add 出荷 and 入荷 to see how the reading and meaning shift in real vocabulary. Do not memorize 荷 as a single English word; connect it to actual words and example sentences.
Summary
荷 means “luggage, load” and appears in useful Japanese words such as 荷物, 出荷, and 入荷.