旗

• Reading: はた
• Romaji: hata
• Kanji breakdown: 旗 (ki/hata) — flag, banner
• Pronunciation: /ha.ta/

Meaning

Flag; banner; a piece of cloth used as a symbol or signal.

A noun referring to flags, banners, and standards of all types. Used for national flags (国旗, kokki), sports flags, and historical battle banners. Common expressions: 旗を振る (hata wo furu, to wave a flag), 旗を立てる (hata wo tateru, to raise a flag / to take a stand). In Japanese history, clan banners (旗印, hatajirushi) played an important role in identifying military forces.

Examples

1. 運動会で応援の旗を振った。 I waved a cheering flag at the sports day event.
2. 風で旗が大きく揺れている。 The flag is swaying wildly in the wind.
3. 各国の旗が会場に飾られていた。 Flags from various countries were displayed at the venue.

Usage Guide

Context: events, sports, national symbols

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 旗 combines 方 (direction) and 其 (that) under the radical 㫃 (flag/streamer), directly depicting a banner showing direction — used historically for military signalling.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal