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丁
block · street · counter (for tools, tofu) · even number
N1On: チョウ、テイ
Memory Aid
The kanji 丁 is thought to originate from a pictogram of a nail or a stake. This simple, fixed object represents a single 'unit' or 'block'.
Imagine a neatly cut **block** of tofu, which often gets counted with this kanji. Its simple, T-like shape can also represent a **T-junction** or a segment of a **street**.
Vocabulary
丁寧ていねいpolite, careful
丁目ちょうめblock, district (address unit)
包丁ほうちょうkitchen knife
丁字路ていじろT-junction
一丁いっちょうone block (of tofu), one tool (e.g., knife)
Example Sentences
彼はいつも丁寧な言葉を使います。
He always uses polite language.
この辺りは何丁目ですか？
What block is this area?
豆腐を一丁買いました。
I bought one block of tofu.
次の丁字路を右に曲がってください。
Please turn right at the next T-junction.