Onyomi: カ · Kunyomi: くつ · Meanings: shoes
Kanji for shoes
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The kanji 靴 combines the radical 革 (leather) with 化 (to change or transform). The left side, 革, shows that it relates to leather or hides, while 化 adds the idea of transformation — turning one thing into another. In ancient times, shoes were crafted by transforming animal hides into something that protects the feet. This combination literally shows “leather that has been transformed” — the origin of shoes, a crafted object made from treated leather to enable walking and travel.
Formed from 革 (leather) and 化 (to change), 靴 shows leather that has been transformed into a useful form — shoes for walking and protection.
This kanji declares: take leather (革) and change it (化) — that’s how shoes are born. Imagine a craftsman taking animal hide, shaping and softening it until it becomes a pair of shoes that carry you forward. 靴 represents that transformation — the leather that has changed form to protect your feet and help you move through the world.
| Word | Reading | Meaning | Meta |
|---|---|---|---|
| 靴 | くつ | shoe, shoes, boots, footwear, footgear | common JLPT-N5 Noun |
| 靴下 | くつした | socks, sock, stockings, stocking | common JLPT-N5 Noun |
| 靴屋 | くつや | shoe store, shoe shop, shoemaker | Noun |
| 靴磨き | くつみがき | shoeshine, shoe polishing | Noun |
| 靴底 | くつぞこ | sole (of a shoe) | Noun |
| 靴を磨く | くつをみがく | to polish one's shoes, to clean your shoes | Expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.), Godan verb with 'ku' ending |
| 靴べら | くつべら | shoehorn | Noun |
| 靴ひも | くつひも | shoelace, bootlace | Noun |
| 靴ずれ | くつずれ | shoe sore, foot blister (caused by shoes) | Noun |
| 靴の紐 | くつのひも | shoelace, bootlace | Noun |