舟

small boat; "boat" radical

Kanji 1354

Find out how to talk about small, hand-propelled boats, and learn about Japanese boats across the ages, from dugout canoes to washtub boats to small straw boats that play a key role during Bon. See why a book about a retiree unnerved Japan, and learn about a famous story in which a man delights in being arrested. Also learn a boat-related expression for traditional rivals.

Revision history:

Feb. 2, 2022: 

• p. 2, Etymology Box: Updated the Henshall etymology and the Sears link.
• p. 20: Deleted the etymology of 般 because the most compelling analysis of that kanji in Henshall’s updated version focuses on how it can mean “carry,” whereas it mainly represents “overall; all; period of time” and doesn’t mean “carry” in even one contemporary word.
• p. 20: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

July 10, 2015: Originally published.