Meaning

Primary

Seal

Alternative

Personal Seal

Word Type

noun

Explanation

A seal that's modeled after you is a useful seal indeed — it's your very own personal seal!

印鑑 is a small stamp with your name carved into it. In Japan, people use it on official documents instead of signing their name. It's like your legally recognized "signature stamp," and it's something most adults in Japan need to have.

Reading

いんかん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Context Sentences

印鑑を忘れて手続きができなかった。

I couldn't complete the procedure because I forgot my seal.

銀行口座を作るのに印鑑が必要なんだって。

Apparently, you need a seal to open a bank account.

公的な印鑑が押された書類が必要になります。

You need an officially sealed document.

日本では印鑑がないと、結婚も離婚もできないってマジ?

In Japan, you can't get married or divorced without a seal? Seriously?

Kanji Composition