37
関
Connection, Barrier, Concern
せき (seki), かかわる (kakawaru), かんする (kansuru)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate established 関所 (せきしょ), official checkpoints on important roads. Travelers had to pass through these barriers and present the necessary documents before continuing. One of the most famous was Hakone Checkpoint, controlling the important route between Edo and western Japan. The system wasn't simply about collecting tolls—it helped the shogunate monitor movement and maintain political control.
Memory Trick
“A tiny man passed through gate(門) without permission to make connections.”
Readings
Onyomi: カン (kan)
Kunyomi: せき (seki), かかわる (kakawaru), かんする (kansuru)
Example Words
関係
かんけい (kankei)
Relationship
関心
かんしん (kanshin)
Interest
関西
かんさい (Kansai)
Kansai region
関する
かんする (kansuru)
To relate to
Example Sentence
日本文化に関心があります。
にほんぶんか に かんしん が あります。
nihon bunka ni kanshin ga arimasu
I am interested in Japanese culture.