研

JLPT N4

Polish, research

Readings

On’yomi: ケン (ken)

Kun’yomi: と(ぐ) (to(gu))

• と（ぐ）– to polish, to sharpen

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

研究

けんきゅう

research

研修

けんしゅう

training

研ぐ

とぐ

polish

研磨

けんま

grinding

研究者

けんきゅうしゃ

researcher

Example Sentences

研究をします。

けんきゅうをします。

I do research.

研修に参加します。

けんしゅうにさんかします。

I attend training.

包丁を研ぎます。

ほうちょうをとぎます。

I sharpen a knife.

研磨します。

けんまします。

I grind it.

研究者です。

けんきゅうしゃです。

I am a researcher.

Cultural Note

🔬 研 reflects Japan’s emphasis on precision, skill, and diligent study:
• Metaphorically connects manual sharpening with intellectual sharpening.
• Appears in academia (研究, 研究者) and workplace training (研修), highlighting commitment to improvement and expertise.
• Represents the cultural value of mastery through careful, repeated effort.