Meaning

Primary

Corner

Alternative

Angle

Word Type

noun, suffix

Explanation

When the kanji for angle is used as a standalone word, it usually means corner. You can remember this because corners are pretty much the most common kind of angle you see in everyday life.

In math contexts, it can also mean angle — just like the kanji's meaning!

Reading

かど
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)
かく
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This word has two different meanings and each one has its own reading.

When it's used for corners, the reading is かど. Just picture a deck of cards (かど). What's the most important part of the card? The corner! The corners are where the numbers are. Now tape those cards into all the corners of your house. Why? Because it's artsy!

And the second meaning and reading pair is easy — angle and かく, which you already know from the kanji!

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • タンスの角

    the corner of a wardrobe

    へやの角

    the corner of the room

    テーブルの角

    the corner of a table

Context Sentences

角にコンビニがありますよ。

There is a convenience store on the corner.

テーブルの角にカバンが下がっていた。

A bag was hanging on the corner of the table.

角が五つあるシェイプのことを、「ペンタゴン」と言うらしい。

Apparently, a shape with five angles is called a "pentagon."

Kanji Composition