帰
Return, Go Home
かえる (kaeru), かえす (kaesu)
JLPT N5
Interesting Fact
During "Obon Festival", many Japanese families believe the spirits of their ancestors return home for a brief visit. Lanterns are lit to guide them back, and families gather to honor those who came before them. At the end of the festival, floating lanterns help guide the spirits on their journey back.
Memory Trick
The left side looks like a sword. The right side looks like a house. After seeing a sword, you decide it's best to return home. That's 帰, meaning return.
Readings
Onyomi: キ (ki)
Kunyomi: かえる (kaeru), かえす (kaesu)
Example Words
帰る
かえる (kaeru)
To return home
帰国
きこく (kikoku)
Return to one's country
帰宅
きたく (kitaku)
Return home
帰り道
かえりみち (kaerimichi)
Way home
Example Sentence
私は午後六時に帰ります。
わたし は ごご ろくじ に かえります。
watashi wa gogo rokuji ni kaerimasu
I return home at 6 PM.