本
Book / Origin / Root
もと · ほん
A tree in profile: vertical trunk, outstretched branches, and roots reaching down. 木 is the fundamental nature radical.
A vertical line is the trunk. A horizontal stroke through the middle is the branches spreading left and right. Two diagonal strokes at the bottom are the roots, reaching into the earth. Stand outside and look at any tree — you will see 木 instantly. This single shape unlocks more kanji than almost any other radical.
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