164
臣
Minister, Retainer
JLPT N2
Interesting Fact
Many Japanese cabinet ministers have titles ending in 大臣 (daijin), such as 外務大臣 (Minister for Foreign Affairs). The kanji 臣 has been associated with government officials for centuries.
Memory Trick
Imagine a trusted royal minister standing beside the king to offer advice. That loyal official helps you remember 臣 means 'minister.'
Readings
Onyomi: シン (shin), ジン (jin)
Kunyomi:
Example Words
大臣
だいじん (daijin)
Cabinet minister
外務大臣
がいむだいじん (gaimu daijin)
Minister for Foreign Affairs
家臣
かしん (kashin)
Retainer
忠臣
ちゅうしん (chuushin)
Loyal retainer
Example Sentence
新しい 大臣 が 任命されました。
あたらしい だいじん が にんめいされました。
atarashii daijin ga ninmei saremashita
A new cabinet minister was appointed.