48
議
Discuss, Deliberate
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
The history of 議 goes back to ancient Chinese writing, where the character combined the idea of 言 (words/speech) with 義, giving it a connection to discussing matters according to what is considered right or proper. This is interesting because 議 isn't simply about people talking—it developed around the idea of putting opinions into words and considering what should be done. That same idea survives in modern words like 議論 (ぎろん), debate.
Memory Trick
The sheep(羊) has something to say, so everyone gathers around to hear its “words(言)” and discuss them—that’s 議!
Readings
Onyomi: ギ (gi)
Kunyomi:
Example Words
会議
かいぎ (kaigi)
Meeting
議論
ぎろん (giron)
Discussion
議会
ぎかい (gikai)
Assembly
国会議員
こっかいぎいん (kokkaigiin)
Member of parliament
Example Sentence
午後に会議があります。
ごご に かいぎ が あります。
gogo ni kaigi ga arimasu
There is a meeting this afternoon.