Lesson L10N2N2 Kanji in Context⏱ 25 min

International Relations Kanji

This lesson introduces kanji like 貿 (trade), 交 (intercourse), and others used in international relations contexts, with example vocabulary and sentences to reinforce meaning and readings at the N2 level.

🎯 Goal: Learn N2 kanji related to international relations in context.

Lesson Content

Learning Goal

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to recognize and use 10 N2-level kanji related to international relations. You will understand their meanings, readings, and how they appear in real-world contexts like news articles and diplomatic discussions.

Concept

International relations kanji often appear in news about diplomacy, trade, treaties, and global cooperation. These kanji share themes of connection, negotiation, and movement between countries. Mastering them will help you read Japanese news and understand discussions about world affairs.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. 外 (gai, ge) – outside, foreign

On'yomi: ガイ (gai), ゲ (ge)
Kun'yomi: そと (soto), ほか (hoka), はず (はずす)
Meaning: Outside, foreign, external
Example: 外国 (gaikoku) – foreign country; 外交 (gaikō) – diplomacy

2. 交 (kō) – mix, exchange

On'yomi: コウ (kō)
Kun'yomi: まじ (majiwaru), ま (mazeru)
Meaning: To mix, exchange, intersect
Example: 交流 (kōryū) – exchange (cultural/personal); 交渉 (kōshō) – negotiation

3. 際 (sai) – occasion, border

On'yomi: サイ (sai)
Kun'yomi: きわ (kiwa)
Meaning: Occasion, time, border, edge
Example: 国際 (kokusai) – international; 実際 (jissai) – actual, practical

4. 関 (kan) – relate, barrier

On'yomi: カン (kan)
Kun'yomi: せき (seki), かか (kakawaru)
Meaning: To relate, connection, barrier (checkpoint)
Example: 関係 (kankei) – relationship; 関税 (kanzei) – customs duty

5. 係 (kei) – person in charge, connection

On'yomi: ケイ (kei)
Kun'yomi: かか (kakaru), かかり (kakari)
Meaning: Person in charge, connection, involvement
Example: 係員 (kakariin) – staff in charge; 関係 (kankei) – relationship (shared with 関)

6. 協 (kyō) – cooperate

On'yomi: キョウ (kyō)
Kun'yomi: かな (kanaeru)
Meaning: To cooperate, coordinate
Example: 協力 (kyōryoku) – cooperation; 協定 (kyōtei) – agreement, pact

7. 定 (tei, jō) – decide, fix

On'yomi: テイ (tei), ジョウ (jō)
Kun'yomi: さだ (sadameru), さだ (sadamaru)
Meaning: To decide, fix, establish
Example: 協定 (kyōtei) – agreement; 決定 (kettei) – decision

8. 条 (jō) – article, clause

On'yomi: ジョウ (jō)
Kun'yomi: えだ (eda)
Meaning: Article, clause, item
Example: 条約 (jōyaku) – treaty; 条件 (jōken) – condition

9. 約 (yaku) – promise, approximately

On'yomi: ヤク (yaku)
Kun'yomi: つづ (tsuzumu), つづ (tsuzumeru)
Meaning: Promise, agreement, approximately
Example: 条約 (jōyaku) – treaty; 約束 (yakusoku) – promise

10. 貿 (bō) – trade

On'yomi: ボウ (bō)
Kun'yomi: (none common)
Meaning: Trade, commerce
Example: 貿易 (bōeki) – trade; 貿易相手 (bōeki aite) – trading partner

Mini Examples

Japanese	Romaji	English
日本とアメリカは貿易協定を結んだ。	Nihon to Amerika wa bōeki kyōtei o musunda.	Japan and the US concluded a trade agreement.
国際関係の交渉が進んでいる。	Kokusai kankei no kōshō ga susunde iru.	International relations negotiations are progressing.
この条約には重要な条件が含まれている。	Kono jōyaku ni wa jūyō na jōken ga fukumarete iru.	This treaty contains important conditions.
外交官は両国の交流を促進する。	Gaikōkan wa ryōkoku no kōryū o sokushin suru.	Diplomats promote exchange between the two countries.

Common Mistake

Learners often confuse 条約 (jōyaku – treaty) with 約束 (yakusoku – promise). Remember: 条約 is a formal international agreement, while 約束 is a personal promise. Also, don't mix up 関係 (kankei – relationship) with 係 (kakari – person in charge) – the first is abstract, the second is a person.

Quick Practice

Fill in the blank: 日本と韓国の___関係が改善した。 (Japan-Korea ___ relations improved.)
- Hint: Use the kanji for "international" → 国際 (kokusai)
Fill in the blank: 新しい___約に署名した。 (They signed a new ___ treaty.)
- Hint: Use the kanji for "trade" → 貿易 (bōeki)

Answers:

国際 (kokusai)
貿易 (bōeki)

Summary and Next Step

You've learned 10 key N2 kanji for international relations: 外, 交, 際, 関, 係, 協, 定, 条, 約, 貿. These kanji appear frequently in news about diplomacy, trade, and treaties. Practice reading them in real news headlines (try NHK News Easy or a Japanese newspaper). Next, we'll explore kanji for economics and finance, which often overlap with international relations vocabulary.