血

• Reading: ち
• Romaji: chi
• Kanji breakdown: 血 (chi/ketsu) — blood
• Pronunciation: /tɕi/

Meaning

Blood. The red fluid circulating in the body.

A basic noun with the kun-reading ち. Also used in compound words with the on-reading けつ, such as 血液 (blood/fluid) and 血圧 (blood pressure). Figuratively used to describe lineage or temperament, as in 血がつながっている (to be related by blood).

Examples

1. 転んで膝から血が出てしまった。 I fell and my knee started bleeding.
2. 血を見るのが苦手な人は多いです。 A lot of people can't stand the sight of blood.
3. 献血に行って血を採ってもらいました。 I went to donate blood and had some drawn.

Usage Guide

Context: medical, daily life, injury

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 血 is a pictograph of a vessel containing blood, representing a sacrificial offering.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal