The Kanji: 串 (Kushi / Kushi)
The kanji 串 (read as kushi) is a pictographic character that visually represents objects skewered on a stick. Its core meaning is "skewer," "spit," or more generally, "to string together." It depicts items pierced through by a central rod, making its meaning instantly recognizable.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 串 (kushi)
Meaning: Skewer; stick (for food).
Example Sentence: 串に刺した焼き鳥を食べた。
(Kushi ni sashita yakitori o tabeta.)
"I ate grilled chicken on a skewer."
2. 串刺し (kushizashi)
Meaning: Skewering; impaling.
Example Sentence: 料理人は魚を串刺しにした。
(Ryōrinin wa sakana o kushizashi ni shita.)
"The chef skewered the fish."
3. 串団子 (kushidango)
Meaning: Skewered rice dumplings.
Example Sentence: 花見で串団子を楽しんだ。
(Hanami de kushidango o tanoshinda.)
"We enjoyed skewered dumplings during the cherry blossom viewing."
In summary, 串 is a straightforward and visual kanji primarily associated with food served on sticks, such as the popular 焼き鳥 (yakitori) and 串団子 (kushidango). It can also be used as a verb to describe the action of skewering (串刺し).